By Doris Obinna
Codix Pharma is set to significantly reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported medical test materials with the upcoming launch of its second In-Vitro diagnostics manufacturing factory.
The facility, known as Codix Bio Limited, is scheduled to be inaugurated on May 9, 2025, in Sagamu, Ogun State.
According to Chief Operating Officer of Codix Pharma, Mrs. Mary Ogangwu, the new factory will specialize in the production of Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kits for diseases such as malaria, HIV, HIV/Syphilis combo, Hepatitis B and C, among others. She explained that the move is in line with the company’s long-term vision to localize medical material production and reduce reliance on imported diagnostic tools.
Ogangwu noted that the initiative also supports a broader continental effort to localize healthcare production and contribute to building a sustainable health system, in alignment with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) goals through the World Production Forum. She added that the COVID-19 pandemic further emphasized the urgent need to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system by ensuring availability of essential medical devices.
“Founded in 2008, Codix Pharma began as a company focused on the importation, distribution, and marketing of pharmaceutical products, representing international brands like OSNAC Healthcare, Abbot, and SD Biosensor. Over time, the company expanded into diagnostics, identifying critical gaps in Nigeria’s diagnostic capabilities, particularly for cardiometabolic and communicable diseases.
“The launch of Codix Bio Limited follows the earlier establishment of Colexa Biosensor, the first In-Vitro diagnostics factory in Sub-Saharan Africa for the production of blood glucose meters and strips. With this second manufacturing facility, the company aims to supply test kits not only for Nigeria but also for the broader African market.”
Ogangwu emphasized that Codix Pharma’s products will meet the quality standards set by the WHO and Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). She acknowledged that local production of rapid diagnostic kits in Africa has faced considerable challenges due to high barriers to entry, strict regulatory standards, and gaps in technical expertise. “Until now, about 90 per cent of such kits have been imported from Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East.”
However, she praised the Nigerian government for its recent efforts to encourage local pharmaceutical manufacturing, especially through the Presidential initiative for unlocking the healthcare value chain.
She highlighted the significance of the Presidential Executive Order that exempts specified pharmaceutical machinery, equipment, and accessories from tariffs and excise duties. This policy, she said, supports the national goal of increasing Nigeria’s pharmaceutical market share in Africa to at least 15 per cent by 2030 and boosting local manufacturing to cover 70 per cent of pharmaceutical and 30 per cent of in-vitro diagnostic needs.
Ogangwu stated that the shift from import dependence to local production will help prevent stockouts, reduce reliance on foreign exchange, and improve access to timely and reliable diagnostics for all Nigerians, regardless of location or socio-economic status.
General Manager, Codix Pharma, Olanrewaju Balaja, assured that all machinery required for the smooth operation of the factory has been fully installed. He also confirmed that the factory will be entirely staffed by Nigerians, in line with the company’s mission to create employment and develop local expertise.
Chief Operating Officer, Colexa Biosensor Limited, Kingsley Aguora, expressed enthusiasm about the new development, stating that Codix Bio Limited is poised to transform test kit production in Nigeria by ensuring both availability and affordability of diagnostic products.