FG Pushes Local Production to Reduce Nigeria’s Dependence on Imported Diagnostic Products

The Federal Government has renewed its push to strengthen the local production of medical diagnostic products as part of efforts to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imports and improve the country’s health security. The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, said medical diagnostics should be treated as a strategic national asset because accurate and timely testing is essential for healthcare delivery, disease surveillance and public health decisions. Salako made the remarks in Abuja while declaring open the 28th Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Guild of Medical Laboratory Directors. According to the minister, achieving greater diagnostic self-sufficiency will require more than simply manufacturing test kits locally. He highlighted the importance of technology transfer, research and innovation, effective regulation, sustainable procurement and partnerships between government and the private sector. The National President of the Guild of Medical Laboratory Directors, Dr Samuel Fele, also called for an end to Nigeria’s heavy dependence on imported diagnostic reagents, consumables and equipment. He said Nigeria has an opportunity to develop a competitive diagnostic manufacturing industry that could serve both the domestic market and other African countries. However, stakeholders stressed that increasing local production must not come at the expense of quality. Strong regulatory oversight, quality-control systems and recognised standards will be necessary to ensure that locally produced diagnostic products are safe and reliable. The Federal Government had also previously announced efforts to accelerate the local production of Rapid Diagnostic Test kits for diseases including malaria and tuberculosis, with the stated goals of reducing import dependence, improving access and strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare manufacturing capacity. If successfully implemented, the wider strategy could create opportunities for Nigerian manufacturers, researchers and skilled workers while reducing some of the vulnerabilities associated with dependence on international medical supply chains. For patients, the ultimate objective is straightforward: greater access to reliable and affordable diagnostic services when they are needed. Nigeria’s push toward stronger domestic diagnostic capacity therefore represents not only an industrial policy but also an effort to build a more resilient healthcare system.