Nigeria Begins HIV, Malaria Test Kits Production May

Nigeria is set to begin local production of rapid diagnostic test kits for HIV and malaria in May 2025. This move is expected to significantly reduce the country’s import dependence and curb foreign exchange outflows.

The milestone comes as Codix Pharma Limited announced the upcoming commissioning of its subsidiary, Codix Bio Limited, which will house the nation’s first facility to manufacture test kits for critical diseases. The factory marks a significant milestone in reducing the country’s reliance on imported test kits, especially for diseases like HIV, malaria, hepatitis B and C, and syphilis.

The chief operating officer of Codix Pharma Limited, Mary Ogangwu, who disclosed this at a press conference to announce the upcoming commissioning of the Codix Bio Limited Test Kit manufacturing factory held in Lagos, emphasised the strategic importance of the facility.

“We are not just launching a factory; we are helping to reshape Nigeria’s healthcare manufacturing landscape. This development opens the door to reducing foreign exchange burdens and ensuring more consistent access to life-saving diagnostics,” she said.

Codix began importing critical machinery for the plant under the Import Duty Exemption Certificate (IDEC) waiver before the recent Executive Order, which waives tariffs on pharmaceutical inputs and equipment, came into effect. While the Executive Order has brought welcome relief, Ogangwu expressed concerns over its two-year expiration, urging policymakers to ensure sustainability.

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She also called for adjustments in the policy to include speciality materials like nitrocellulose sheets and laminated uncut sheets, which are essential in the production of test kits but are currently treated as standard paper imports, thereby attracting duties. “These inputs are not regular paper. They carry biological material and must be categorised appropriately to achieve cost efficiency,” she said.

Codix Bio planned to take on rapid diagnostic test kits, starting with HIV test kits, aligning with national efforts to scale testing across Nigeria, where over 15 million HIV tests are conducted annually. The company also seeks to address the human resource gap in medical tech by partnering with Olabisi

Onabanjo University (OOU). Over 138 science students are currently being trained in biosensor technology and nanoscience to prepare for industry needs.

Codix’s manufacturing ambitions are continental in scope. With support from the Africa CDC and ongoing discussions with African Heads of State, Ogangwu emphasised the dual demands of quality and competitiveness. However, she challenged the prevailing approach of comparing African manufacturing prices to China’s ex-works rates. “Compare our doorstep prices to what it costs to import into Nigeria. Only then is it a fair comparison,” she argued.

While acknowledging that some inputs like high-quality packaging materials are still imported, Ogangwu said Codix is already printing paper packaging locally and exploring options to localise more inputs. However, she stressed that long-term cost reductions would depend on improvements in energy supply, human capacity, and a stable policy environment. “This factory symbolises what is possible when innovation meets intention. African problems can have African solutions. Quality doesn’t have to be outsourced,” the COO affirmed.

Codix Bio Limited’s commissioning is scheduled for May 2025, and full operations are expected to begin shortly afterwards.

The general manager of plant operations, Olanrewaju Balaja, confirmed that the facility is nearing completion. “Design, construction, and utility installations such as HVAC systems and cleanroom environments are already done. We are now validating all systems to ensure consistent quality. The facility will operate under internationally recognized standards, with plans to secure WHO Prequalification,” he noted.