The Federal Government has intensified efforts to accelerate the local production of Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kits, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening domestic manufacturing, improving access to quality diagnostics, and boosting Nigeria’s healthcare value chain.
The decision followed a strategic review meeting chaired by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, with officials of 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.
The meeting reviewed progress on the operationalisation of a local manufacturing facility for affordable RDT kits and In-Vitro Diagnostics (IVDs) for malaria, tuberculosis, and other priority diseases. Participants assessed implementation milestones, resolved outstanding issues, and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to fast-track local production in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Executive Order on Increasing Local Production of Healthcare Products.
Speaking at the meeting, Prof. Pate stressed that local production of diagnostic kits is essential to Nigeria’s health security and economic growth.
“Local manufacturing of diagnostics is not just an economic priority; it is a health security imperative. We are removing every bottleneck to accelerate production and deliver affordable test kits to Nigerians,” he said.
To accelerate implementation, the minister directed the immediate processing of the Advance Purchase Guarantee (APG) Agreement and tasked the ministry’s legal and technical teams to work with the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, NASENI, and Troment Biotechnology Limited to conclude all outstanding legal and administrative processes.
He also directed regular implementation reviews to ensure timely delivery of the project.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to domestic production of health commodities, Pate said:
“Expanding domestic manufacturing of essential health commodities remains a key priority under the Renewed Hope Agenda. Local production of Rapid Diagnostic Test kits and In-Vitro Diagnostics will strengthen Nigeria’s health security, reduce dependence on imports, improve access to quality diagnostics, stimulate industrial growth, and create skilled employment opportunities.”
The minister noted that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broader efforts to build a resilient healthcare system capable of meeting the country’s diagnostic needs while reducing exposure to global supply chain disruptions.
“Our objective is to ensure that Nigerians have access to affordable, high-quality diagnostic tools produced locally, while creating an enabling environment for private sector investment and innovation in the health sector,” Pate added.
The Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), a Federal Government reform programme, is designed to strengthen local manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, medical devices, diagnostics, and other health products. The initiative aims to reduce dependence on imports, attract private investment, create skilled jobs, improve access to quality healthcare commodities, and position Nigeria as a regional hub for healthcare manufacturing and innovation.