By Chinedu Obodoeze
Nigeria’s fight against malaria and overdependence on imported medical supplies is set for a major boost following the approval of the specialised Harvestfield Free Trade Zone, a project expected to produce 10 million insecticide-treated nets annually and generate about 600 jobs in Ogun State.
The Managing Director of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, Olufemi Ogunyemi, described the newly licensed zone as a strategic intervention designed to reposition Nigeria from a heavy importer of health commodities to a competitive manufacturing hub.
Speaking during the presentation of the Declaration of Licence and Operation Licence to the promoters of the zone in Abuja, Ogunyemi said the initiative would help reduce the country’s vulnerability to external supply shocks while strengthening local production capacity in the health sector.
He noted that Nigeria’s long-standing dependence on imported pharmaceuticals, medical consumables and equipment has placed enormous pressure on foreign exchange and exposed the country to disruptions during global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. According to him, specialised zones like Harvestfield represent a shift toward building resilient domestic industries capable of serving both local and regional markets.
The project is backed by Danish multinational Vestergaard in partnership with Nigerian firm Harvestfield under a joint venture known as SNG Health. The investors have committed $30 million to establish a manufacturing facility that will produce dual-insecticide-treated mosquito nets locally.
Abdu Mukthar, who represents the Federal Ministry of Health and serves as National Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative to Unlock Healthcare Value Chains, said the facility is expected to commence operations by April 2026.
He disclosed that the plant would meet about 30 per cent of Nigeria’s insecticide-treated net demand in its first phase, significantly strengthening the country’s malaria response. Nigeria currently accounts for roughly 27 per cent of the global malaria burden and about 30 per cent of malaria-related deaths worldwide.
Mukthar explained that beyond import substitution, the initiative is designed to deepen technology transfer, stimulate research and innovation, and build a sustainable healthcare manufacturing ecosystem. He added that the project aligns with the Federal Government’s broader industrialisation agenda and complements policy reforms aimed at boosting domestic capacity across vaccines, diagnostics, drugs and medical devices.
Free trade zones have increasingly become central to Nigeria’s economic diversification strategy, offering tax incentives, regulatory flexibility and infrastructure support to attract global manufacturers. Analysts say the Harvestfield Free Trade Zone could help conserve foreign exchange, reduce import bills and position Nigeria as a regional supplier of essential healthcare products under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.
With production set to begin in 2026, stakeholders believe the initiative marks a critical step toward strengthening Nigeria’s health security while creating jobs and expanding non-oil exports.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.