SSDC, Innovative Biotech Partner to Boost Local Vaccine Production in South-South
By Ekanem ASUQUO
The South-South Development Commission (SSDC) has opened discussions with indigenous pharmaceutical manufacturer, Innovative Biotech Limited, on a potential partnership for local vaccine production and procurement aimed at improving public health and disease prevention across the region.
The exploratory meeting, which took place at the company’s Abuja office, was led by the SSDC Managing Director, Usoro Akpabio.
Talks focused on developing a sustainable vaccine supply chain to tackle preventable diseases that are common in the coastal South-South states.
According to Akpabio, the engagement aligns with the Commission’s commitment to strengthening health security and advancing Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in essential medical supplies.
“Local content and Nigeria’s first policy is here to stay,” Akpabio said. “Our recent engagement with the primary health care development agency encouraged us to start working with local manufacturers. Local vaccine production fits directly into our regional health resilience strategy and Nigeria’s drive for self-reliance.”
The SSDC boss identified the urgent health needs of the region as a major motivation for the initiative, citing recurring outbreaks of cholera, typhoid, and other preventable diseases caused by the region’s unique coastal and environmental conditions.
“A structured vaccine procurement and distribution plan through SSDC will strengthen preventive healthcare and reduce the disease burden across our states,” Akpabio explained.
She emphasized that affordability must remain a priority in the planned collaboration. “There must be incentives to make these vaccines affordable. We cannot afford to be more expensive than foreign suppliers,” he added.
Discussions also centered on vaccines such as the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine, Cholera, HPV, and PCV, which address some of the most pressing health challenges in the South-South. The proposed partnership may also include joint capacity-building programs for local health institutions to support long-term vaccine sustainability.
Chief Executive Officer of Innovative Biotech Limited, Dr. Simon Agwale, who hosted the SSDC delegation, presented his company’s roadmap for establishing end-to-end vaccine manufacturing capacity in Nigeria.
According to him: “We believe this engagement will help align procurement planning with Nigeria’s local production agenda, ensuring reliable, cost-effective, and resilient vaccine supply for the South-South region,” Dr. Agwale stated.
The engagement is in tandem with SSDC’s mandate which covers health security, human capital development, and regional industrialization, making vaccine collaboration a key part of its broader mission to improve healthcare access and regional wellbeing.
