Codix Bio Pharmaceutical is set to officially launch a groundbreaking rapid diagnostic test (RDT) kit manufacturing facility in Sagamu, Ogun State, this weekend. The factory, which will be the first of its kind in Nigeria, is expected to play a transformative role in the country’s healthcare sector by providing locally produced diagnostic kits for a range of diseases, including malaria, HIV, hepatitis, pregnancy, and COVID-19.
The new facility, which is set to begin operations on May 9, 2025, will help reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported diagnostic products. Currently, over 90% of diagnostic test kits used in Africa are imported, a situation that has contributed to high costs and delays in accessing timely healthcare. By producing these kits locally, Codix Bio aims to improve access to affordable and quality diagnostic services across the country.
In a statement, Mary Ogangwu, the Chief Operating Officer of Codix Pharma, emphasized that the project is not just a business venture, but a significant contribution to improving healthcare across Africa. She noted, “This is bigger than us. It is about what is possible for Africa,” highlighting the broader impact of the facility on local economies and the healthcare system.
The facility has been built to meet international standards, including ISO 13485 and WHO Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), ensuring that the products manufactured are of the highest quality and safety. This is expected to further position Nigeria as a hub for medical manufacturing in the region.
This launch is in line with the Nigerian government’s ongoing efforts to boost local production in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. The government has also supported such initiatives through various policy reforms, including waivers on import duties for pharmaceutical equipment and the promotion of local manufacturing through the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC).
Once operational, the factory will not only improve Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in healthcare diagnostics but also contribute to the broader goal of enhancing access to essential medical supplies across Africa, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The opening of the facility is seen as a pivotal step towards reducing healthcare costs and improving diagnostic turnaround times in the country.
