MON JULY 20 2026-theGBJournal| The Federal Government has taken fresh steps to accelerate local production of Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kits, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening domestic manufacturing, expanding access to quality diagnostics, and advancing Nigeria’s healthcare value chain.
At a strategic review meeting chaired by the Honourable Coordinating Minister of The Federal Government has taken fresh steps to accelerate local production of Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kits, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening domestic manufacturing, 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 reviewed progress on the operationalisation of a local manufacturing facility for affordable RDT kits and In-Vitro Diagnostics (IVDs) for malaria, tuberculosis and other priority diseases.
The meeting assessed implementation milestones, resolved outstanding issues, and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to fast-track local production in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Executive Order on Increasing Local Production of Healthcare Products.
“Local manufacturing of diagnostics is not just an economic priority; it is a health security imperative,” Prof. Pate said. “We are removing every bottleneck to accelerate production and deliver affordable test kits to Nigerians.”
To accelerate implementation, Prof. Pate directed the immediate processing of the Advance Purchase Guarantee (APG) Agreement and tasked 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 further directed regular implementation reviews to ensure the timely delivery of the project.
The Coordinating Minister reaffirmed that expanding domestic manufacturing of essential health commodities remains a key priority under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He noted that local production of RDT kits and IVDs will strengthen Nigeria’s health security, reduce dependence on imports, improve access to quality diagnostics, stimulate industrial growth, and create skilled employment opportunities.
About the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC)
The Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) is a Federal Government reform programme aimed at strengthening local manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, medical devices, diagnostics, and other health products.
The initiative seeks to reduce dependence on imports, attract private investment, create skilled jobs, improve access to quality healthcare commodities, and position Nigeria as a regional hub for healthcare manufacturing and innovation.
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