In a significant move to reshape Nigeria’s health sector, the government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has committed to transitioning from a consumption-driven model to one that stimulates domestic manufacturing, creates jobs, and enhances economic productivity. The Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), established in 2023 and led by Dr. Abdu Mukhtar, has been pivotal in this transformation.

With the ambitious mandate of increasing Nigeria’s local pharmaceutical production to 70% of domestic consumption by 2030 and doubling the country’s pharmaceutical market share in Africa to 15%, PVAC has achieved remarkable milestones in a short time. Key among these is the signing of an Executive Order aimed at stimulating the local production of pharmaceuticals, test kits, and consumables. This directive prioritizes local manufacturers in government procurement, a groundbreaking initiative on the African continent.

Central to this transformative journey is Codix Group, a leading health-tech organization in Africa. Through its subsidiary, Colexa Biosensor Limited, Codix is driving innovation and production in Nigeria’s healthcare industry. Colexa Biosensor has established itself as a trailblazer with the first In-Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) factory in Sub-Saharan Africa, based in Lagos. This facility is currently manufacturing blood glucose monitoring devices and rapid diagnostic test kits, providing locally produced solutions to address the health challenges facing Nigerians. The government’s endorsement of Colexa Biosensor as part of its strategic healthcare initiatives underscores the importance of this local manufacturer.

As Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Nigeria’s Hon. Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare noted in his December 27th communication:

“Colexa Biosensor, under the Codix Group, is already manufacturing in Lagos, contributing significantly to our healthcare ecosystem. Alongside other global names, which have committed to setting up manufacturing plants in Nigeria, Colexa’s presence demonstrates the tangible outcomes of our focus on local capacity-building.”

The government’s partnership with international financiers such as the European Investment Bank and Afreximbank has further bolstered these initiatives, securing over $1 billion in investments to support domestic and incoming healthcare manufacturers. With over 70 new healthcare manufacturing companies established and 22 large-scale projects in active discussions, the ripple effects of this policy shift are set to revolutionize Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Codix Group exemplifies how private-sector innovation, backed by government policy, can transform healthcare systems. By scaling up production capacity and expanding into diverse value chain verticals, including rapid diagnostic kits for diseases like HIV and Malaria, Codix is at the forefront of Nigeria’s healthcare renaissance.

As we look to 2030, the role of companies like Codix and Colexa Biosensor will be indispensable in achieving the country’s ambitious goals. With their commitment to quality, accessibility, and sustainability, they are not only redefining healthcare in Nigeria but also setting a standard for the rest of Africa.