In a strategic move to enhance local production capabilities and address the challenges posed by the departure of foreign manufacturing companies, the federal government has initiated a process to improve the production of syringes, needles, and other essential medical equipment within Nigeria. 

This significant development was revealed during a meeting in Abuja attended by key stakeholders, including members of the Medical Device Manufacturers Association of Nigeria.

Minister of industry, trade and investment, Doris Aniete, alongside minister of state for health, Tunji Alausa, shared insights into the government’s commitment to eliminating policy bottlenecks hindering the growth of the medical equipment manufacturing sector. The meeting saw the attendance of major health equipment manufacturers, including Afrimedical Manufacturing and Supplies Limited and HMA Medical Limited.

Aniete emphasised the urgency of addressing challenges in the healthcare sector and disclosed that President Bola Tinubu would soon unveil an Executive Order aimed at safeguarding medical equipment manufacturing companies in the country. 

She stated, “The president wants to ensure that the prices of manufactured equipment drop, and citizens have greater access to these medicines at affordable rates but high quality.”

The minister underscored the readiness of the government to expedite necessary changes, emphasising that “some of these things are just policy changes we need to make.” 

She expressed optimism that swift policy adjustments could solve issues and stimulate growth in the country.

Aniete unveiled plans for a backward integration program designed to prevent the exodus of foreign manufacturing companies. She revealed that the program, loaded with incentives, would be launched soon with the approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

“The government is ready to remove all impending bottlenecks in industrialisation, manufacturing, or the real sector in Nigeria, and we have just done that for the health instrument sector,” Aniete assured.

Minister of state for health, Tunji Alausa, outlined the government’s objective to shift from importing syringes to fostering local production.

Managing director of Afrimedical, Akin Oyeniran, expressed gratitude for the government’s commitment to the industry. 

He acknowledged the effectiveness of the meeting, stating, “This is the beginning of moving the industry forward. The effort will have a ripple effect on the economy.”