The Federal Government has identified medical diagnostics as critical to Nigeria’s health security, stressing the need to strengthen local production and reduce dependence on imported testing products.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, stated this on Wednesday in Abuja while declaring open the 28th Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Guild of Medical Laboratory Directors.

Salako, represented by the Director and Head of the Medical Laboratory Services Division in the ministry, Dr Emeka Elom, said accurate and timely diagnosis was essential to healthcare delivery, disease surveillance and public health decisions.

He said achieving diagnostic sovereignty required more than manufacturing medical tests locally, noting that Nigeria also needed technology transfer, research and innovation, effective regulation, sustainable procurement and strategic partnerships.

“The Federal Government recognises diagnostics as a strategic national asset,” he said.

Salako said the government was committed to developing the capacity required to provide quality, affordable and timely diagnostic services to Nigerians.

The National President of the Guild of Medical Laboratory Directors, Dr Samuel Fele, called for an end to the country’s heavy reliance on imported diagnostic reagents, consumables and equipment.

Fele said Nigeria needed to develop a competitive and sustainable diagnostic manufacturing industry capable of serving the domestic market and contributing to the wider African market.

He said the African in-vitro diagnostics market, valued at $1.33 billion in 2024, and rising demand for point-of-care and rapid testing presented opportunities for local manufacturers.

However, he stressed that local production must not compromise quality, calling for stronger regulatory oversight, proficiency testing and compliance with recognised standards.

He also urged government to provide financing, infrastructure, research grants and procurement policies that would create predictable demand for locally manufactured diagnostic products.

Other experts at the conference called for an integrated national diagnostic network linking research, manufacturing, regulation, laboratories, healthcare providers and patients.

They stressed that diagnostic sovereignty should ultimately improve patient outcomes while ensuring that locally produced medical tests meet established quality standards.