The Federal Government has described diagnostics as the foundation of modern healthcare, stressing that strengthening diagnostic systems is vital to improving the efficiency and performance of Nigeria’s health sector.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, made the remark while delivering a keynote address at the 2026 National Summit on Diagnostics in Abuja. The summit had the theme: “Strengthening Partnerships and Local Content for Integrated Diagnostics.”
This was contained in a statement on Wednesday, by Ado Barko, Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations to the Ministry.
Salako said accurate and timely diagnosis plays a critical role in disease prevention, early detection, effective treatment and continuous patient monitoring.
He noted that a large proportion of clinical decisions globally are based on diagnostic results.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Daju Kachollom, the minister said the theme of the summit underscores the urgent need to transform Nigeria’s diagnostic landscape into one that is resilient, sustainable and capable of delivering improved health outcomes.
According to him, access to reliable diagnostic services—whether at a primary healthcare centre in a rural community or a tertiary hospital in a city—is essential for healthcare providers to make informed decisions and ensure efficient use of resources.
He explained that strengthening diagnostic systems goes beyond infrastructure, stressing the need for strong governance, effective partnerships, a skilled workforce, functional laboratory networks, robust regulatory oversight and sustainable financing.
Salako also emphasised the importance of local content development in the health sector, particularly in the manufacturing, distribution and maintenance of diagnostic equipment and in vitro diagnostic products.
He said boosting local innovation and production would enhance national health security, stimulate economic growth and create jobs.
He reaffirmed that under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the transformation of Nigeria’s health sector remains a national priority, with diagnostics playing a strategic role in ongoing reforms.
The minister added that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare would continue to strengthen laboratory services nationwide, including through the implementation and periodic review of the National Essential Diagnostics List.
Salako further stressed that building a strong diagnostic ecosystem requires collaboration among government, development partners, research institutions, professional bodies, the private sector and local innovators.
He announced that the National Summit on Diagnostics would now be institutionalised as an annual platform to promote partnerships, encourage local content and advance integrated diagnostic services across Nigeria.
In her welcome remarks, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Daju Kachollom, represented by the Director of Hospital Services, Dr. Adeola Adegoke, described diagnostics as the backbone of clinical decision-making and public health response.
She noted that although Nigeria has made progress in expanding laboratory and diagnostic capacity, challenges such as infrastructure gaps, workforce shortages, supply chain constraints and unequal access to services still persist.
Kachollom said addressing these challenges would require stronger partnerships among government institutions, development partners, academia and the private sector.
Also speaking at the summit, Executive Director of the KNCV TB Foundation, The Hague, Netherlands, Dr. Gidado Mustapha, called for the enforcement of a national diagnostics integration framework to ensure wider access to diagnostic services at primary healthcare facilities across the country.
He said expanding access to diagnostic services would significantly improve healthcare delivery and support early detection of diseases.
The summit also featured the unveiling of a policy document titled National Guideline for the Implementation of Medical Laboratory Quality Management System, with participants drawn from within and outside Nigeria.