Yemi Obafemi
The Federal Government has stepped up efforts to accelerate the local production of Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kits, directing the immediate processing of key agreements to support the establishment of a domestic manufacturing facility for affordable diagnostic products.
The decision was reached at 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 plans to operationalise a local manufacturing facility for RDT kits and In-Vitro Diagnostics (IVDs) for malaria, tuberculosis and other priority diseases, while resolving outstanding issues delaying implementation.
Prof. Pate directed the immediate processing of the Advance Purchase Guarantee (APG) Agreement and instructed 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 ordered regular implementation reviews to ensure the project is delivered on schedule.
“Local manufacturing of diagnostics is not just an economic priority; it is a health security imperative,” Pate said.
“We are removing every bottleneck to accelerate production and deliver affordable test kits to Nigerians.”
The minister said expanding domestic manufacturing of essential health commodities remains a priority of the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that local production would strengthen Nigeria’s health security, reduce reliance on imports, improve access to quality diagnostics, stimulate industrial growth and create skilled jobs.
