The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) has presented operational licences to promoters of a new medical-focused free trade zone aimed at reducing the country’s reliance on imported healthcare products and strengthening local manufacturing capacity.
Speaking during the licence presentation in Abuja, the nation’s capital, the Authority’s Managing Director, Olufemi Ogunyemi, described the initiative as a significant step towards strengthening domestic production and expanding export opportunities in the health sector.
According to a statement signed by the Head of Corporate Communication at NEPZA, Martins Odeh, the Managing Director said the zone, promoted by Harvestfield Industries, would help address critical healthcare supply gaps.
According to him, “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 urged investors in the medical sector to leverage the opportunities provided by free trade zones, noting the Authority’s continued commitment to economic growth.
Ogunyemi stated that “The Authority consistently supports trade and investment facilitation that drives economic growth and strengthens the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda to transform the country into an export-oriented nation.’’
Also speaking, the Presidential and Ministry of Health representative, Abdu Mukthar, said the project was driven by a presidential directive signed in 2024 by Bola Ahmed Tinubu to promote local manufacturing of healthcare products.
Mukthar disclosed that global insecticide net manufacturer Vestergaard, in partnership with Harvestfield through a joint venture known as SNG Health, would use the zone to produce 10 million dual-insecticide nets annually, creating an estimated 600 jobs in Ogun State.
Highlighting the scale of investment, Mukthar explained that the firms had already committed 30 million dollars to establish the facility, alongside additional financial commitments from smaller partners.
He added that “The new facility is expected to start production in April 2026 and will supply 30% of Nigeria’s insecticide net demand during the first phase.”