NEPZA Presents Harvestfield FTZ Licence, Targets Reduction in Medical Imports

NEPZA Presents Harvestfield FTZ Licence, Targets Reduction in Medical Imports

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, has said that the newly approved Harvestfield Free Trade Zone (FTZ), dedicated to the production of medical products, will significantly reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported healthcare supplies.

Dr. Ogunyemi made this known in Abuja during the presentation of the Declaration of Licence and Operation Licence to the promoters of Harvestfield FTZ. He noted that the establishment of the zone is a strategic move to address critical gaps in the health sector while boosting local manufacturing capacity.

According to him, medical investors should take advantage of the country’s free trade zones to scale up local production of medical products and supplies.

“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,” he said.

The NEPZA boss added that the Authority remains committed to facilitating trade and investment in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at transforming Nigeria into an export-oriented economy.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Abdu Mukthar, Presidential and Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) Representative, described the Harvestfield FTZ as an outcome of the Presidential Executive Order on Local Manufacturing of Healthcare Products signed in 2024 by President Tinubu.

Mukthar, who also serves as the National Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative to Unlock Healthcare Value Chains (PVAC), disclosed that Danish conglomerate Vestergaard—the world’s largest manufacturer of insecticide-treated nets—has partnered with Nigerian business group Harvestfield through a joint venture, SNG Health, to operate within the zone.

He explained that the partnership will produce 10 million dual-insecticide-treated nets annually and create an estimated 600 jobs in Ogun State. The two firms have invested $30 million in establishing the facility, with additional financial commitments from smaller partners.

“The new facility is expected to commence production in April 2026 and will supply 30 per cent of Nigeria’s insecticide-treated net demand in its first phase. Currently, Nigeria accounts for 27 per cent of the global malaria burden and 30 per cent of malaria-related deaths annually,” Mukthar stated.

The establishment of the Harvestfield FTZ is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare value chain, reduce import dependency, and position the country as a key exporter of medical products in the region.