The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has intensified efforts to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported medical diagnostics by expanding local production of rapid diagnostic test kits capable of meeting up to 80 per cent of the country’s annual demand.
The Agency showcased the growing capacity during a visit by the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Mr. Tanimu Yakubu, to the NASENI–Troment Diagnostics Factory, where locally manufactured rapid diagnostic test kits are being produced for malaria, tuberculosis (TB), HIV, hepatitis B and C, monkeypox, syphilis, and pregnancy testing.
Speaking during the tour, NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, described the facility as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s healthcare system, noting that local production of quality diagnostic kits would strengthen disease surveillance, improve access to timely testing, reduce import dependence, and enhance national health security.
According to him, the test kits are manufactured to international standards and have received certifications from the World Health Organization (WHO), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), as well as ISO quality management systems, making them suitable for both domestic use and wider markets.
Halilu said the factory’s production capacity positions Nigeria to satisfy the bulk of its diagnostic testing needs through local manufacturing, while also conserving foreign exchange and strengthening the country’s healthcare value chain.
He added that the facility recently earned commendation from the Harvard University-led Science of Defeating Malaria team for its contribution to expanding local diagnostic manufacturing capacity in Nigeria.
Reaffirming NASENI’s broader industrialisation agenda, Halilu said the Agency’s focus extends beyond manufacturing products to building industries that directly improve the lives of Nigerians.
“Since assuming office, my vision has been to ensure that every Nigerian household uses at least one product proudly made by NASENI. We are steadily turning that vision into reality. Industrialisation becomes truly meaningful when it delivers practical solutions that improve lives and create Infinite Possibilities for our people,” he said.
The NASENI–Troment Diagnostics Factory is one of the Agency’s flagship healthcare manufacturing projects, reflecting the Federal Government’s drive to deepen local production, promote import substitution, and build a more resilient healthcare manufacturing ecosystem.
