The federal government is advancing plans to assemble hospital equipment locally by signing two critical letters of intent with Siemens Healthineers, its Nigerian partner Tanit Medical Engineering, and Abbott Laboratories GmbH, it emerged on Sunday.
The development aims to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported healthcare equipment and strengthen the nation’s healthcare system.
The partnerships are designed to unlock the healthcare value chain by fostering local production and enhancing access to quality medical services.
Key objectives include the assembly of ultrasound systems, improved medical training for Nigerian healthcare professionals, and increased self-sufficiency within the national healthcare system.
The initiative also seeks to ensure access to high-quality, locally manufactured diagnostic solutions, marking a significant step toward transforming healthcare delivery in Nigeria and building capacity to meet growing demands.
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In a statement by the Ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Alaba Balogun on Sunday, Abdu Mukhtar, representing the Nigerian government as the National Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), signed the agreement, with Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, in attendance.
Pate, while Mukhtar and his team for their dedication to attracting investors to Nigeria, reiterated that the Executive Order provides valuable incentives for those investing in the nation’s health sector.
In his remarks, Mukhtar underscored that the agreement reflects PVAC’s commitment to decreasing reliance on imports and enhancing future access to medical devices.
“This MoU embodies our shared vision for advancing healthcare, enhancing access, improving outcomes, and unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s healthcare value chain.
“The MOU outlines the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery through public-private partnerships.
“We encourage everyone to support this initiative and work together to turn this vision into a reality”.
Kevin Massoudi, Vice President and Head of Public Sector Engagement for Siemens Healthineers in the Middle East and Africa, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to enhancing diagnostic services in Nigeria, acknowledging the nation’s key role as a leader in health innovation across Africa.
Similarly, Rabah El Menshawy, Vice President of EMEA & Global Accounts at Abbott Laboratories GmbH, lauded the MOU as a testament to the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose bold initiatives are shaping a brighter future for Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
“This commitment ensures that Nigerians can access high-quality diagnostic solutions, proudly produced here in Nigeria. We are inspired by this vision and are honoured to partner in its realization, he said.
“Our collaboration is focused on supporting Nigeria’s ambitious goal of ending HIV infections by 2030, an objective that aligns with our company’s mission to promote health equity and empower individuals to lead healthier, fuller lives.
“Through this MoU, Abbott aims to enhance healthcare delivery in Nigeria by improving access to quality diagnostics, thereby contributing to the overall health and well-being of the Nigerian people.
“This initiative equally represents an opportunity to contribute to Nigeria’s economy. We believe that local production of rapid diagnostic tests will create employment opportunities and build local capacity through training and knowledge transfer,” he said.