The Impact of World Trade Organization’s TRIPS Agreement on Access to Essential Medicine in Nigeria: Apolitical Economy Analysis

Background/Objectives : In view of the trade-off, this paper sought to delve into the implications of TRIPs agreement on access to essential medicines in Nigeria. Methods/Statistical Analysis: Data from World Bank and World Health Organization were used in the paper. The study adopted some techniques of descriptive analysis like charts and tables in accomplishing its objectives. Findings : The study came up with the following findings. First, a great number of people living with diseases lack access to essential medicines and the figures are rather increasing on daily basis, thereby resulting in the death of millions of people, due to TRIPs. Second, TRIPs agreement might be seen as a strategic tool used in maintaining and perpetuating developing countries’ dependency on developed world. Third, other factors like distribution challenges, information gap (lack of awareness), and social factors (like stigmatization) are playing subservient roles in restricting people from accessing essential medicines even though some of the medicines are provided free of charge. Applications : The study recommended that TRIPs agreement should be reviewed; there should be a public-private partnership in the provisioning of the essential medicines; and bridge information gap through awareness creation.