Building COVID-19 Vaccine Manufacturing Capacity in Nigeria: A Qualitative Needs Assessment of Barriers and Resource Requirements

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Nigeria relied largely on imported vaccines, underscoring vulnerabilities in supply chains and the absence of domestic vaccine manufacturing. Understanding supply-related barriers and the resources required for local vaccine production is critical for future pandemic preparedness and population health outcome. The objective of the study was to identify stakeholder-perceived barriers to COVID‑19 vaccine manufacturing in Nigeria and to describe the resources and enabling conditions required for local production. Methods: We conducted a qualitative needs assessment using semi-structured interviews with senior personnel from Nigerian pharmaceutical manufacturing firms and regulatory agencies. Participants were recruited purposively and consecutively. Interviews (30-60 minutes) were conducted via Zoom, audio-recorded with consent, transcribed, and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis following established six-phase procedures. Reporting adheres to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ). Results: Six participants (two regulators and four pharmaceutical executives) identified three interrelated barrier to domestic COVID-19 vaccine production: (1) technical and knowledge gaps (loss of hands-on expertise, absence of operational vaccine manufacturing facilities, limited technology transfer), (2) financial and infrastructure barriers (high cost of capital, serial taxation, unreliable electricity and logistics constraints), and (3) systemic and institutional barriers (inconsistent political commitment, policy discontinuity, regulatory capacity gaps, and concerns about public confidence). To enable local production, participants emphasized coordinated investment in workforce development, technology-transfer partnerships, modern utilities and cold chain systems, access to specialized equipment and high-quality inputs, and predictable policy, financing, and regulatory environments. Conclusions: Participants perceived Nigeria’s current capacity as insufficient for COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing but identified actionable levers, particularly human capital development, infra-structure strengthening, and regulatory and financing reforms, to enable sustainable local production. These findings provide a practical roadmap for policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders seeking to strengthen Nigeria’s biomanufacturing and long-term pan-demic preparedness.