Nigeria's FG Advocates for Local Medical Diagnostics Production

On September 16, 2026, the Federal Government of Nigeria, represented by Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, emphasized the critical role of medical diagnostics in national health security during the 28th Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Guild of Medical Laboratory Directors in Abuja. Salako, represented by Dr. Emeka Elom, highlighted the need for Nigeria to strengthen local production, quality assurance, and market development to reduce dependence on imported diagnostic products.

He stated that achieving diagnostic sovereignty requires technology transfer, research, effective regulation, sustainable procurement, and strategic partnerships. Dr. Samuel Fele, the National President of GMLD, urged for the establishment of a competitive local manufacturing industry to end reliance on imports, noting the African in-vitro diagnostics market's potential.

He stressed that diagnostic sovereignty must not compromise quality and called for a robust end-to-end system connecting various stakeholders in the healthcare sector.