FG, Global Fund Open Expanded Abuja Medical Warehouse to Boost Drug Storage

In a major boost for Nigeria’s health supply chain, the Federal Government and Global Fund have commissioned the expanded Abuja Premier Warehouse to strengthen storage and delivery of medicines and vaccines nationwide.

The facility expands Nigeria’s network of 22 Central Medical Warehouses across 21 states. All 22 are backed by Global Fund funding to improve healthcare delivery.

Speaking for Coordinating Minister of Health Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom said the expansion reaffirms FG’s commitment to commodity security and efficient distribution of life-saving products.

Foundation work for the expansion started in April 2025. Pate said the warehouse goes beyond infrastructure. It will keep medicines, vaccines and health commodities in optimal condition from storage to last-mile delivery.

The minister called it a strategic national asset that will improve logistics, increase capacity and support healthcare reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He thanked Global Fund, UNICEF, WHO, US Government, Gates Foundation and other partners for making it possible.

Pate said the facility will contribute significantly to Nigeria’s journey toward Universal Health Coverage and national health security.

Global Fund Executive Director Peter Sands said: “You cannot have a health system in a country as big and diverse as Nigeria without a pretty sophisticated and robust health supply chain.”

UNICEF Deputy Rep Charles Opikoli Lolika said the Abuja warehouse plus 22 state warehouses will benefit 149 million people across 22 states, including 68 million children.

World Health Organization Country Representative, Dr Pavel Ursu, said the success of Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria would depend on maintaining momentum and ensuring continuity in healthcare programmes.

“We know that there are very promising results already in place, but consistency will be needed to transform those early achievements into measurable outcomes and lasting impact,” he said.

Representatives of the Gates Foundation also highlighted the importance of commodity security in reducing maternal and child mortality, combating infectious diseases and reducing poverty.

They noted that the expanded warehouse aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare systems, improve last-mile delivery of medicines and enhance visibility across the supply chain.

Health sector stakeholders described the project as a significant step towards ensuring reliable access to essential medicines and healthcare commodities for millions of Nigerians.

The partnership is also upgrading over 150 Primary Healthcare Centers for about 150,000 people.