By Mustapha Gambo Muhammad
In a bold move to reshape Nigeria’s healthcare and industrial landscape, Dr. Samuel O. Fele, National President of the Guild of Medical Laboratory Directors (GMLD), has unveiled a visionary proposal to establish a National Biotechnology and Diagnostic Reagents Park.
Speaking at the Guild’s 27th Annual Scientific Conference and AGM in Kano, Dr. Fele emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to transition from a consumer of imported medical reagents to a producer of world-class diagnostic solutions.
Dr. Fele’s address was more than a technical appeal, it was a patriotic call to action. He urged the Federal Government to offer tax incentives and funding grants to local manufacturers, Streamline regulatory frameworks to eliminate bureaucratic bottleneck, Strengthen quality assurance systems to meet global standards.
The President further urged Federal Government to foster international collaborations and industry-academia partnerships.
He proposed a five-year roadmap to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imports, aiming for 70% local production of diagnostic reagents.
“Every locally produced kit is a job created, a currency stabilized, and a step toward national pride,” he declared.
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by Health Commissioner Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, praised the Guild’s initiative as a game-changer.
He pledged Kano’s support in advancing the Guild’s activities and called on the Federal Government to provide special funding for medical laboratory directors.
The Governor highlighted the economic ripple effect: reduced costs for medical testing, increased access to diagnostics, and a boost in healthcare outcomes.
Dr. Isa Suleiman Yahaya, Chair of the Local Organizing Committee, celebrated the historic significance of hosting the conference in Kano, the first of its kind outside Abuja.
He described the event as a convergence of tradition and innovation, where delegates could experience the city’s rich culture while forging a new path for diagnostic sovereignty.
“This is not just a conference,” Yahaya said. “It’s a declaration that Nigeria is ready to lead in medical innovation.”
[contact-form][contact-field label=”Name” type=”name” required=”true” /][contact-field label=”Email” type=”email” required=”true” /][contact-field label=”Website” type=”url” /][contact-field label=”Message” type=”textarea” /][/contact-form]
