By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare sector through the local production of medical diagnostic technologies.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, made this known while hosting participants of the Harvard University-led Science of Defeating Malaria programme at a closing dinner in Abuja following their visit to the NASENI-TROMENT Biotechnologies Factory.
The delegation, led by Professor Dyann F. Wirth of Harvard University and comprising about 85 global health professionals, scientists and policymakers, commended the facility’s contribution to disease control and healthcare innovation in Africa, describing it as a major step towards combating malaria and other infectious diseases across the continent.
Speaking at the event, Halilu said the commendation underscored the vision behind the NASENI-TROMENT Biotechnologies Factory, which was established to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported diagnostic kits and enhance local healthcare manufacturing capacity.
He disclosed that the facility is designed to produce up to 600 million diagnostic kits annually, meeting approximately 80 per cent of Nigeria’s diagnostic testing needs while creating export opportunities across Africa and beyond.
The factory currently manufactures rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) products under the N-CheckUP brand, covering a range of diseases and conditions including malaria, hepatitis B and C, HIV, typhoid, syphilis, COVID-19, pregnancy and blood glucose monitoring.
Halilu noted that the initiative aligns with NASENI’s mandate of leveraging science, technology and innovation to address national challenges, promote industrialisation, create jobs and improve healthcare outcomes.
He expressed appreciation to Professor Wirth and members of the Harvard delegation for their recognition of the facility’s achievements and reiterated NASENI’s commitment to developing innovative solutions that enhance lives and position Nigeria as a leading healthcare manufacturing hub in Africa.
The Science of Defeating Malaria programme, held in Abuja from June 7 to 13, 2026, brought together global experts dedicated to advancing malaria elimination efforts and strengthening public health systems worldwide.
