FG Moves To Boost Local Production of Diagnostic Test Kits –
Federal Government Boosts Local Production of Diagnostic Test Kits
The Federal Government of Nigeria is intensifying efforts to increase local production of Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kits. This initiative aims to strengthen the nation’s healthcare system while reducing reliance on imports and enhancing access to affordable diagnostic services.
At a strategic review meeting in Abuja, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate convened with 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. The discussion centered on establishing a local manufacturing facility for RDT kits and In-Vitro Diagnostics (IVDs).
The proposed facility is expected to produce diagnostic kits for malarial, tuberculosis, and other critical diseases. Prof. Pate emphasized the government’s commitment to eliminating obstacles hindering project progress, characterizing local production of diagnostic kits as both an economic priority and a necessity for health security.
He directed an expedited processing of the Advance Purchase Guarantee (APG) Agreement and instructed the Ministry’s legal and technical teams to collaborate with the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, NASENI, and Troment Biotechnology to finalize all pending legal and administrative matters.
Additionally, the minister mandated regular implementation reviews to ensure timely delivery of the project. Expanding domestic manufacturing of essential health commodities aligns with the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to fortify health security, improve access to affordable testing, stimulate industrial growth, and create skilled jobs.
This initiative is part of the broader Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain, a government program aimed at enhancing local production of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, medical devices, and diagnostics, with a goal of positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for healthcare manufacturing.
