Minister opens new lab in Lagos to train molecular scientists

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Ishaq Salako has commissioned a laboratory in Yaba, Lagos that will provide critical diagnostic support for the management of HIV and other infectious diseases outbreaks, such as COVID-19, Lassa fever, and similar viral infections.

The laboratory situated within the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) premises, has an advanced Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology and provides rapid and accurate molecular diagnostics on an unimaginable scale.

Salako described the facility as a transformative leap in the health sector and said it will further enhance the capacity not only to respond to pandemics but also to anticipate and mitigate health risks, contributing to the overall stability and well-being of the society.

He said: “By fostering synergy between research, diagnostics, and policy, we are taking proactive steps toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all, adding this Ultra MEGA PCR Laboratory underscores our commitment to building a resilient healthcare system.”

The minister observed that with the technology and capacity, the lab will become a cornerstone in the fight against HIV and other infectious diseases, particularly in diagnostics, epidemiological surveillance, and biomedical research.

He said: “The facility will also serve as a hub for training the next generation of molecular scientists and researchers, ensuring that their workforce is equipped to tackle present and future health challenges.”

According to the minister, “the laboratory aligns with the broader national strategy for health security and a key pillar of the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (HSRII).

The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr Akin Abayomi, urged the NIMR to maintain the lab and other facilities appropriately.The Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Prof John Obafunwa, reassured NIMR’s commitment to research and service. He commended the Lagos State government for the collaboration to advance health research in the state.