PICTORIAL: Governor Unveils State-of-the-Art Diagnostic Kit Factory in Ogun

On Friday, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun inaugurated Nigeria’s first major Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) manufacturing plant, CODIX BIO Limited. This initiative aims to enhance domestic healthcare capabilities and decrease dependence on imported medical testing equipment.

As stated by the governor through X, the advanced in-vitro diagnostics (IVD) plant situated alongside the Sagamu expressway marks the second facility of this type in Sub-Saharan Africa. This establishment is expected to manufacture more than 147 million diagnostic kits each year for illnesses including HIV, malaria, and hepatitis B and C.

Referring to the facility as a "transformational advance," Abiodun stated that the project intends to open up the healthcare value chain via local manufacturing.

"This achievement represents a significant step forward as we work towards enhancing Nigeria’s healthcare sector via innovative practices and domestic manufacturing. At present, more than 90 percent of the diagnostic kits utilized across Africa are imported products. By establishing this facility, we aim to increase local output, conserve foreign currency, generate employment opportunities, and bolster our capability for effective public health responses," stated the governor.

Abiodun similarly recognized the support from the Minister of Health, Prof. Ali Pate Muhammad, and the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who endorsed the initiative. He stated that their endorsement "underscores the potency of our ambition to industrialize Ogun State and establish a thriving culture of innovation."

He urged for increased collaboration between CODIX BIO and the universities and research institutions of Ogun to train upcoming biomedical experts and enhance the company’s influence throughout West Africa.

"We encourage CODIX BIO to continue collaborating with our universities and research institutions for training future biomedical experts and enhancing their influence throughout West Africa," he stated additionally.

Abiodun expressed gratitude towards Mr. Sammy Ogunjimi and the whole CODIX BIO group for their collaboration, highlighting that the facility has received international acknowledgment through the World Health Organization’s H-TAP program, positioning itself as a vital center for Africa’s diagnostic requirements.

"Collectively, we are forging a path towards a healthier, more independent future for our community," he stated.