In a landmark move toward self-reliance and healthcare innovation, Nigeria has officially commissioned its first large-scale rapid diagnostic test (RDT) production facility, CODIX BIO Limited, in Ogun State. Situated along the Sagamu Expressway, the state-of-the-art factory is set to revolutionize the country’s diagnostics landscape and significantly boost local capacity in disease detection and prevention.
CODIX BIO Limited becomes only the second in-vitro diagnostics (IVD) manufacturing facility of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa. With a projected annual output of over 147 million test kits, the factory will focus on producing high-quality RDTs for critical diseases including HIV, malaria, and hepatitis B and C.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, government officials, healthcare leaders, and representatives of the private sector hailed the facility as a game-changer for Nigeria’s public health response and industrial capacity. They emphasized the importance of domestic production in reducing dependence on imported medical supplies and improving response time during public health emergencies.
“This is a transformative leap for Nigeria’s healthcare system,” said one of the attending dignitaries. “With this facility, we are not only creating jobs and transferring technology, but we are also asserting Nigeria’s capacity to lead in medical innovation within Africa.”
The establishment of CODIX BIO aligns with the Federal Government’s broader health sector reform agenda, which aims to strengthen health infrastructure, support local manufacturing, and foster public-private partnerships in critical areas of care delivery. The move also supports Nigeria’s long-term goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage by expanding access to affordable and reliable diagnostic services.
Stakeholders praised the choice of Ogun State as the site of the facility, noting the state’s growing reputation as an industrial and manufacturing hub. The factory is expected to create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs and contribute to regional economic growth while enhancing Nigeria’s preparedness for epidemic-prone diseases.
As Nigeria celebrates this milestone, health experts say the local production of diagnostic tools is not just a matter of convenience, but of national security—one that places Nigeria on a stronger footing to manage current and future health challenges with speed, precision, and self-sufficiency.