The inauguration of the O-Care Disposable Syringe Factory in Lagos, Nigeria, marks a significant milestone in the nation’s pursuit of self-sufficiency in healthcare product manufacturing. Cyprian Orakpo, Managing Director of Transgreen Nigeria Limited, the parent company, championed the patronage of locally-produced medical goods, emphasizing their superior safety profile compared to imported alternatives. He highlighted the stringent regulatory oversight provided by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for locally manufactured products, contrasting it with the potential risks associated with imported syringes whose production processes might lack adequate regulatory supervision or adherence to industry best practices. This focus on local production underscores a growing awareness of the importance of ensuring the quality and safety of essential medical supplies within the country.
Orakpo’s vision for the O-Care facility extends beyond mere production; he envisions a world-class manufacturing hub for medical consumables, a testament to his commitment to elevating Nigeria’s role in the global healthcare landscape. The facility itself, a Class 10,000 clean room, signifies the high standards of hygiene and quality control maintained in the production process. Despite the achievements, Orakpo acknowledged the challenges faced during the facility’s development, including the high cost of power, multiple layers of taxation, and inadequate road infrastructure. He appealed to the Lagos State government for intervention to address these obstacles, highlighting the importance of a conducive business environment for the growth of local industries.
The Lagos State government, recognizing the significance of this industrial venture, expressed strong support for the initiative. Deputy Governor Hazmat lauded the commissioning of the factory as a step towards positioning Lagos as a hub for medical innovation in Africa. He affirmed the government’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for businesses by investing in infrastructure, power supply, and implementing policy reforms. This pledge addresses Orakpo’s concerns and signals a collaborative approach between the government and private sector to drive industrial growth. The government’s recognition of the need for improved infrastructure and power supply underscores the importance of addressing these fundamental challenges to support sustainable industrial development.
The commissioning of the O-Care factory garnered widespread acclaim from stakeholders in the manufacturing and healthcare sectors. The event was attended by representatives from various government agencies and industry bodies, highlighting the collaborative nature of the initiative. The Minister of State for Industry acknowledged the factory as a beneficiary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment’s policies supporting manufacturing, processing, and value addition. This endorsement reflects the government’s commitment to promoting local industry and fostering economic growth. It also underscores the importance of government policies that encourage and support the development of local manufacturing capabilities.
Further reinforcing the quality and safety of the O-Care syringes, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) affirmed the factory’s compliance with all regulatory requirements. NAFDAC’s Director-General, represented at the event, praised the factory’s adherence to safety, quality, and performance standards. This endorsement by the regulatory body provides a critical layer of assurance to healthcare professionals and the public, building confidence in the reliability and efficacy of locally produced syringes. NAFDAC’s recognition of Orakpo’s previous contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically his efforts in manufacturing medical face masks, further highlights his commitment to addressing healthcare challenges.
The Bank of Industry (BOI) also expressed strong support for the project, recognizing its potential to contribute to industrial progress and economic growth. The BOI representative emphasized the factory’s contribution to reducing reliance on imports, strengthening Nigeria’s position in global medical manufacturing, creating jobs, and transferring technical expertise to local professionals. These factors are crucial for sustainable economic development. The BOI’s endorsement signifies the financial sector’s recognition of the project’s viability and its potential to generate positive economic impact. The project’s success serves as a model for future investments aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s economy and improving access to quality healthcare. The convergence of government support, regulatory approval, and financial backing underscores the collaborative effort to establish a robust local manufacturing base for essential healthcare products.
