SAGAMU, Nigeria – Governor Dapo Abiodun on Friday commissioned Nigeria’s first large-scale rapid diagnostic test kit factory, describing it as a major step toward Africa’s health self-reliance and a stronger domestic healthcare system.

The facility, located in Ogun State, Nigeria, is expected to produce more than 147 million test kits annually for diseases including HIV, malaria, and hepatitis B and C. It is the second factory of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa.

“This milestone marks a transformative leap in our journey to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system through innovation and local manufacturing,” Abiodun said.

Tackling Medical Import Dependence

According to the governor, more than 90 % of diagnostic kits used in Africa are currently imported.

The new factory aims to reduce that dependency by increasing local production, saving foreign exchange, and creating jobs.

African countries have long lagged in the manufacturing and supply of medical products.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the continent struggled to access vaccines and testing kits, relying heavily on donations and imports due to limited local capacity.

Governor Abiodun called on the CODIX BIO facility to collaborate with academic and research institutions to train biomedical professionals and support innovation across West Africa.

CODIX BIO has already received global recognition under the World Health Organization’s H-TAP initiative as a regional hub for diagnostic needs.

The WHO Health Technology Access Pool (H-TAP) initiative is designed to enhance equitable access to health products and technologies, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, by promoting local manufacturing, technology transfer, and regional innovation hubs.

The goal is to strengthen self-sufficiency in diagnostics, medicines, and vaccines across Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.

In the context of CODIX BIO and Nigeria, recognition under WHO’s H-TAP suggests that the facility meets international standards and plays a key role in addressing regional diagnostic needs without overreliance on imports.

It positions the factory as a strategic part of Africa’s long-term health resilience plan.

“Together, we are shaping a healthier, self-reliant future for our people,” Abiodun said.