The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has described diagnostics as the foundation of modern healthcare, stressing that strengthening diagnostic capacity is critical to improving Nigeria’s health system.
Salako stated this in a keynote address at the 2026 National Summit on Diagnostics held in Abuja with the theme, “Strengthening Partnerships and Local Content for Integrated Diagnostics.”
The minister said accurate and timely diagnosis plays a vital role in disease prevention, early detection, effective treatment and patient monitoring.
He added that a significant proportion of clinical decisions globally are based on diagnostic results, making it a critical component of quality healthcare delivery.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, Salako noted that strengthening diagnostics should be viewed as a strategic investment in the efficiency and credibility of the health system.
According to him, the theme of the summit reflects the urgent need to transform Nigeria’s diagnostic landscape into a system that is resilient, sustainable and capable of delivering improved health outcomes.
He said, “A well-integrated and coordinated diagnostic system is indispensable for quality healthcare delivery. Whether in a primary healthcare centre in a rural community or a tertiary hospital in a major city, access to reliable diagnostic services empowers healthcare providers to make informed decisions that improve patient outcomes and ensure optimal use of resources.”
Salako also noted that improving diagnostics requires more than building infrastructure, stressing the need for strong governance, skilled workforce, effective laboratory networks, regulatory oversight and sustainable financing.
He added that the Federal Government was prioritising local content development in the health sector, including the manufacturing and maintenance of diagnostic equipment and in-vitro diagnostic products.
According to him, strengthening local innovation and production will improve national health security, stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities.
The minister reaffirmed that under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, the transformation of Nigeria’s health sector remains a national priority, noting that diagnostics play a strategic role in the reform agenda.
He added that the ministry would continue to strengthen laboratory services nationwide, including the implementation and periodic review of the National Essential Diagnostics List.
Salako also emphasised the need for collaboration among stakeholders to strengthen the country’s diagnostic ecosystem.
He said government must work closely with development partners, research institutions, professional bodies, the private sector and local innovators to achieve sustainable progress.
The minister further announced that the National Summit on Diagnostics would now be institutionalised as an annual platform to strengthen partnerships and promote integrated diagnostic services in Nigeria.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Daju Kachollom, represented by the Director of Hospital Services, Dr Adeola Adegoke, said diagnostics remain central to clinical decision-making and public health response.
She noted that more than 70 per cent of medical decisions globally rely on diagnostic results, making access to reliable diagnostic services critical to improving patient outcomes and strengthening health security.
Kachollom acknowledged that Nigeria had made progress in expanding laboratory and diagnostic capacity but noted that challenges such as infrastructure gaps, workforce shortages and supply chain constraints still persist.
She stressed the need for stronger collaboration among government, development partners, academia and the private sector to address the challenges.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of KNCV TB Foundation, The Hague, Netherlands, Dr Gidado Mustapha, called for the enforcement of a national diagnostics integration framework to improve access to diagnostic services, particularly at primary healthcare facilities.
Mustapha noted that expanding diagnostic services across the country would enhance early disease detection and improve healthcare delivery.
In his vote of thanks, the Director and Head of the Medical Laboratory Services Division, Dr Emeka Elom, appreciated the support of the Federal Government and stakeholders toward strengthening the country’s health system.
The summit also featured the unveiling of a policy document titled National Guideline for the Implementation of Medical Laboratory Quality Management System.
Participants at the event were drawn from within and outside Nigeria.
