Nigeria medical scientists demand local diagnostic production to reduce imports

The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Lagos State Branch, has called for urgent reforms to address the country’s heavy reliance on foreign medical supplies. During its 61st yearly scientific conference in Lagos, the association revealed that Nigeria imports between 95% and 99% of its in-vitro diagnostic products.

To mitigate vulnerabilities in the supply of essential commodities, the AMLSN adopted 10 resolutions, including the development of a phased national strategy for the local production of diagnostic products. Experts at the conference identified several critical challenges facing the sector, such as funding shortages, weak local manufacturing capacity, regulatory gaps, and inadequate specialist training.

Felix Ofungwu, Chairman and Managing Director of ISN Medical, emphasized the need for domestic capacity to protect the healthcare system from international supply chain disruptions. The association also urged government authorities to strengthen quality governance for point-of-care testing and establish sustainable funding for laboratory accreditation, particularly as the country faces threats from infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance.