The Federal Government has intensified efforts to begin local production of Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kits as part of plans to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system, reduce reliance on imported medical products and improve access to affordable diagnostic services.
At a strategic review meeting led by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, officials from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), and Troment Biotechnology Limited assessed progress on establishing a local manufacturing facility for RDT kits and In-Vitro Diagnostics (IVDs).
The facility is expected to produce affordable diagnostic kits for malaria, tuberculosis and other priority diseases, while supporting the country’s healthcare value chain.
During the meeting, stakeholders reviewed implementation milestones, addressed pending issues and reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating the project in line with the Federal Government’s policy on increasing local production of healthcare products.
Prof. Pate described local production of diagnostic tools as essential to Nigeria’s health security, stating that the government is working to eliminate obstacles delaying the commencement of production.
To speed up implementation, the minister directed the immediate processing of the Advance Purchase Guarantee (APG) Agreement and instructed relevant legal and technical teams to conclude all outstanding administrative procedures in collaboration with the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, NASENI and Troment Biotechnology Limited.
He also called for regular progress reviews to ensure the project is completed on schedule.
The minister noted that expanding local manufacturing of essential healthcare products remains a major priority under the Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that domestic production of RDT kits and IVDs will improve access to quality diagnostics, strengthen health security, encourage industrial development, create skilled jobs and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported medical supplies.
