Nigeria Launches First Mosquito Net Plant with Vestergaard and Harvestfield
A New Era in Malaria Control and Industrial Growth
Nigeria has taken a significant step forward in both industrial development and public health by launching its first mosquito net manufacturing plant. This groundbreaking initiative, led by Vestergaard SÃ rl and Harvestfield Industries Limited, marks a turning point in the country's efforts to combat malaria and strengthen national health security.
The new entity, SNG Health, will produce PermaNet Dual, a next-generation long-lasting insecticidal net (LLIN) that combines two active ingredients—pyrethroid and chlorfenapyr—to counter growing resistance to traditional insecticides. The facility, located in Ogun State, is set to begin production in April 2026 with an annual capacity of 10 million nets. It is also expected to create 600 skilled jobs, contributing to local economic growth and workforce development.
Key Stakeholders Celebrate the Milestone
The groundbreaking ceremony attracted a wide range of participants, including government officials, global health partners, and private-sector leaders. Among the attendees were Dr. Abdu Mukhtar, National Coordinator of the Presidential Value Chain Initiative (PVAC); Dr. Godwin Ntadom, Director of Public Health at the Federal Ministry of Health; and Dr. Nnenna Ogbulafor, National Coordinator of the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP). Also present were the Consul General of Switzerland in Lagos, Ms. Cornelia Camenzind, and Mr. Onoriode Ezire, World Bank Nigeria Task Team Leader.
Dr. Abdu Mukhtar emphasized the importance of the project, calling it a defining moment for Nigeria’s industrialization and its fight against malaria. He highlighted that the initiative was the result of two years of targeted efforts by the government to attract local manufacturing of essential health commodities. “Nigeria is signaling that we are ready to lead the next frontier of malaria control in West Africa,” he said. “This facility is a direct outcome of the Federal Government’s commitment to industrialize our health sector and anchor critical health products within the country.”
Economic and Moral Imperatives
Mukhtar stressed that local production of LLINs is not only economically strategic but also morally compelling. “Every mosquito net produced here represents a Nigerian job, a Nigerian skill strengthened, and value created within our economy,” he said. He also pledged government support, promising that all bed net procurement funded with public resources would prioritize locally manufactured products. “When you produce, we will buy. That is a promise.”
To ensure the factory’s success, the government has committed to sweeping policy support, including executive orders, free-trade zone incentives, and regulatory facilitation. “Nigeria must position itself as a hub for LLIN manufacturing in Africa. This groundbreaking is proof that it is possible,” Mukhtar added.
Visionary Leadership from Industry Leaders
Vestergaard CEO Amar Ali described the new factory as a testament to the company’s long-term partnership and responsible investment in Nigeria. “This facility embodies Vestergaard’s commitment to long-term partnership with Nigeria, demonstrating that private-sector leadership can drive lasting impact,” he said. He noted that Vestergaard’s experience producing over one billion mosquito nets globally gives SNG Health the technical foundation to deliver world-class products made in Nigeria, for Nigeria.
Harvestfield Industries CEO Martins Awofisayo shared a personal journey, recounting how his company started with small-scale net treatment in his living room in 2000. “We began by hand-dipping nets into insecticide and drying them in our sitting room. Seeing this partnership become reality is truly a dream come true,” he said. Awofisayo emphasized that the joint venture merges two industry giants that once competed aggressively in Nigeria but now stand together as partners with a shared vision to protect Nigerians with the best nets ever made.
Global Health Impacts and Future Prospects
The project has received widespread praise from health officials and international partners. Dr. Godwin Ntadom, Director of Public Health, hailed the project as a long-awaited breakthrough after years of effort to secure local manufacturing capacity for LLINs. “There was alarm. There was no local manufacturer with the capacity. Many partners discouraged the idea. But Harvestfield persisted, even when others withdrew,” he said.
Dr. Nnenna Ogbulafor, National Malaria Elimination Programme Coordinator, noted that while Nigeria has reduced its contribution to global malaria cases, further gains depend on widespread access to nets. “With local production of dual active-ingredient nets, Nigeria will be able to sustain campaign distribution and finally strengthen the weak routine distribution system,” she said.
Swiss Consul General in Lagos, Ms. Cornelia Camenzind, praised the partnership as a model of global cooperation. She highlighted that the project aligns with Switzerland’s longstanding leadership in global health innovation. “Health technology is at the core of Switzerland’s global strength, and Vestergaard is part of that tradition,” she said.
A Step Toward a Malaria-Free Future
SNG Health Managing Director Prosper Ndayiragije called the project the beginning of a new chapter in malaria control for Nigeria and Africa. “Every net we produce will be a shield of protection and a tangible step toward a malaria-free future,” he said. Equipment and raw materials have already been ordered, with the first batch arriving next month.
Nicolas Schornoz, Chief Financial and Operating Officer of Vestergaard, described the joint venture as a “turning point” in Nigeria’s fight against malaria. “With domestic production of dual active-ingredient nets, Nigeria can now respond to national needs in real time. This is a strategic step toward national health sovereignty,” he said.
Nigeria bears the world’s highest malaria burden, accounting for nearly a quarter of global cases. However, new evidence shows that insecticide-treated nets have prevented 72% of malaria cases globally since 2000. With the launch of PermaNet Dual, Nigeria is taking a decisive step toward reducing its malaria burden and ensuring a healthier future for its population.
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