The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) has granted operational licences to promoters of a new medical-focused free trade zone designed to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported healthcare products. The initiative, promoted by Harvestfield Industries, is aimed at strengthening local manufacturing capacity and expanding export opportunities in the health sector.
During the licence presentation in Abuja, NEPZA Managing Director Olufemi Ogunyemi highlighted that the Harvestfield free trade zone is strategically positioned to address critical healthcare supply gaps and enable Nigeria to become an exporter of health products. He encouraged investors in the medical sector to leverage the opportunities provided by free trade zones to drive economic growth.
The project aligns with a 2024 presidential directive issued by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which promotes local manufacturing of healthcare products. In partnership with global insecticide net manufacturer Vestergaard, Harvestfield will operate through a joint venture called SNG Health to produce 10 million dual-insecticide nets annually. The facility, located in Ogun State, is expected to create around 600 jobs.
Highlighting the scale of investment, officials confirmed that the firms have committed $30 million to establish the facility, with additional contributions from smaller partners. The initiative is seen as part of broader efforts to facilitate trade, strengthen domestic production, and advance Nigeria’s goal of becoming an export-oriented economy under the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
