Key challenges limiting local vaccine production in Nigeria: A quantitative study among industrial and regulatory pharmacists

Abstract

Background The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical need for local and regional self-sufficiency in vaccine manufacturing, a challenge particularly critical in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria. Reliance on imported pharmaceuticals and biologics makes these nations acutely susceptible to disruptions in the global supply chain. This study explored the key challenges limiting local vaccine manufacturing in Nigeria from the industrial and regulatory pharmacists' perspectives. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 314 industrial and regulatory pharmacists across Nigeria. Quantitative data were collected using a pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire between June and August 2025. Data were analyzed using R (version 4.5.1). Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied, including a Friedman test to compare domains with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results Five key domains of barriers were identified. Financial and economic barriers (71%) and infrastructural and technological barriers (63.6%) were identified as the most critical challenges to local vaccine production, with both domains showing significantly higher reported prevalence compared to the other domains (χ 2 (4) = 240.07, p < 0.001). Human resources (48.4%), policy, governance, and regulatory (48.1%), and supply chain and market (47.8%) were ranked as secondary barriers. Stakeholders frequently recommended establishing local and international partnerships and funding initiatives, as well as financial incentives such as grants and low-interest loans, to encourage local manufacturing of vaccines. Conclusion The findings confirm that financial and infrastructural deficits are the most significant barriers to vaccine production in Nigeria and provide a clear, actionable roadmap for fostering a robust local vaccine manufacturing ecosystem.