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News ArticlesNigeria’s Bold Strides in Diagnostic: Integrating Systems, Enhancing Quality, and Strengthening National Coordination

Nigeria’s Bold Strides in Diagnostic: Integrating Systems, Enhancing Quality, and Strengthening National Coordination

Nigeria’s Bold Strides in Diagnostic:

David Uche Communications Officer, ASLM
Nigeria is charting a bold new course in diagnostics, making significant strides to transform its laboratory systems into a cornerstone of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and global health security. At the forefront of this effort is the Medical Laboratory Services Division (MLSD) of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMoH&SW), which has spearheaded a series of reforms and initiatives to elevate the country’s diagnostic infrastructure and services. A defining moment came in March 2025 with the successful convening of Nigeria’s first-ever National Summit on Diagnostics.

The landmark event brought together government leaders, academia, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to chart a unified vision for diagnostics in Nigeria. With the Honourable Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, as the Special Guest of Honour and renowned virologist Professor Oyewale Tomori delivering the keynote address, the summit underscored diagnostics as central to epidemic preparedness, disease surveillance, and equitable healthcare access. The summit not only highlighted existing challenges but also showcased homegrown innovations and galvanized strategic commitments to expand access, integrate services, and foster a resilient national diagnostic ecosystem.

Building on the momentum, the Medical Laboratory Services Division (MLSD) launched two pivotal policy instruments aimed at institutionalizing reforms:

  • The National Guideline for the Integration of Medical Laboratory Services and Systems, and
  • The Nigerian Medical Laboratory Strategic Plan (NMLStP) 2023-2027.

The Integration Guideline represents a paradigm shift-promoting the harmonization of disease-specific diagnostic programs (including HIV, TB, malaria, COVID-19, and non-communicable diseases) into a cohesive, unified laboratory network. This approach is designed to increase access to quality services, optimize resource use, and enhance national pandemic readiness. Meanwhile, the Nigeria Medical Laboratory Medical Strategic Plan (NMLStP 2023-2027) outlines a comprehensive, ten-chapter blueprint focused on key thematic areas: leadership and governance, regulatory frameworks, quality management, workforce development, financing, emergency response, biosafety, and more. It lays the groundwork for coordinated action, sustained investment, and measurable progress aligned with Nigeria’s broader health goals.

In parallel, Nigeria is deepening its commitment to quality management systems (QMS). The MLSD is scaling up QMS implementation in tertiary medical laboratories, with ongoing efforts to train local auditors and mentors, ensuring continuous quality improvement and accreditation readiness in line with ISO 15189 standards. These initiatives reflect Nigeria’s firm resolve to embed diagnostics into the heart of its healthcare delivery model. By aligning policy, practice, and partnerships, the country is setting a compelling example for others seeking to modernize their laboratory systems through innovation, collaboration, and strategic leadership.

As Nigeria continues on this transformative path, it is not only enhancing health outcomes at home but also contributing valuable lessons to the global health community.