NEPZA Licenses Harvestfield FTZ to Boost Local Medical Production

NEPZA Licenses Harvestfield FTZ to Boost Local Medical Production

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) has presented the Declaration of Licence and Operation Licence to the promoters of Harvestfield Free Trade Zone (FTZ), a newly approved zone focused on the production of medical products.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony in Abuja, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NEPZA, Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, said the new zone would play a major role in reducing Nigeria’s heavy dependence on imported medical supplies.

He explained that Harvestfield FTZ was designed to address critical gaps in the country’s health sector while boosting local manufacturing.

“Harvestfield FTZ is strategic and focused on addressing key deficits in the health sector. This opens up a new opportunity for the country to become an exporter of health products,” Ogunyemi said.

He urged medical investors to take advantage of the incentives available in Nigeria’s free trade zones to increase local production of drugs, medical consumables and other healthcare supplies.

According to him, NEPZA remains committed to supporting trade and investment initiatives that promote economic growth and align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He noted that the Authority’s mandate is to facilitate investments that will transform Nigeria into an export-driven economy.

Also speaking at the event, Dr. Abdu Mukthar, Presidential and Federal Ministry of Health Representative, described the Harvestfield FTZ as a product of the Presidential Executive Order on Local Manufacturing of Healthcare Products signed in 2024 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Mukthar, who is also the National Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative to Unlock Healthcare Value Chains (PVAC), said the project would significantly strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare value chain and reduce reliance on imported insecticide-treated nets.

He disclosed that Danish conglomerate Vestergaard, known as the world’s largest manufacturer of insecticide-treated nets, has partnered with Nigerian business group Harvestfield through a joint venture known as SNG Health to establish the facility.

The facility, he said, will produce 10 million dual-insecticide nets annually and is expected to create about 600 jobs in Ogun State.

“The new facility is expected to start production in April 2026 and will supply 30 per cent of Nigeria’s insecticide net demand during the first phase. Currently, Nigeria accounts for 27 per cent of the global malaria burden and 30 per cent of all malaria deaths each year,” Mukthar stated.

He further revealed that the two major firms have already invested 30 million dollars in setting up the plant, with additional financial commitments coming from smaller partners.

Stakeholders at the event expressed optimism that the zone would not only reduce medical import bills but also position Nigeria as a key player in the export of healthcare products across Africa.

Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi MD/CEO NEPZA (left), presenting the Operation Licence to Mr. Martins A. Awofisayo, MD/CEO Harvestfield Industries Limited, promoter of the zone.