The Federal Government and the Bayelsa State government have partnered with Zipline, a global leader in instant logistics and drone technology, to enhance the state’s medical supply chain.

The was disclosed in a statement to The PUNCH on Sunday.

Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, and Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State have officially commissioned a state-of-the-art distribution centre for Zipline in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

This milestone marks a significant step in the state’s commitment to developing more effective, self-sufficient, and resilient healthcare infrastructure—especially at a time when global aid funding disruptions threaten access to life-saving medical services.

The distribution centre serves as Zipline’s operational hub, integrating advanced warehousing, cold storage, and inventory management to enable rapid, on-demand medical deliveries.

Covering an area of 38,000 square kilometres, Zipline’s network reaches hundreds of health facilities and community delivery sites, ensuring that even the most remote parts of the state have consistent access to essential medical supplies.

Since Zipline began operations in Bayelsa in 2023, it has delivered over one million vaccine doses and more than 71,000 units of essential medicines.

The company has also led multiple high-impact vaccination and health campaigns, distributing hundreds of thousands of supplements and tablets across the state.

Building on this momentum, Zipline is expanding its reach to 73 out of Bayelsa’s 83 wards, further strengthening its role as a key partner in the federal and state governments’ efforts to improve healthcare outcomes.

Zipline’s autonomous drones, capable of a 200 km round trip, can operate in all weather conditions and over challenging terrains, ensuring seamless, on-demand deliveries to hospitals, primary healthcare centres, and drop sites within zero-dose clusters.

The newly commissioned distribution centre is expected to play a critical role in reducing stockouts, improving emergency response times, and strengthening the overall medical supply chain.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Prof. Pate highlighted the federal government’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance healthcare access nationwide.

“These developments are not merely structures; they reflect our shared commitment to providing quality healthcare services to Nigerians, regardless of their location. The integration of technology, such as the Zipline drone flight services, signifies a bold step toward innovative healthcare delivery.”

Governor Douye Diri emphasised the impact this partnership will have on Bayelsa’s healthcare sector:

“The Zipline technology is a tailor-made response and solution to the obstacles to timely delivery of pharmaceutical supplies posed by the state’s unique riverine terrain. Through the use of drone technology, over twenty thousand zero-dose children have been vaccinated, ensuring a healthy start to life.”

Commenting on the launch, Partnerships Executive, Zipline Nigeria, Akin Oyediran, said, “As Nigeria continues to prioritise capacitating communities to meet citizens’ needs, Zipline is committed to working alongside government and local partners to ensure seamless integration of our technology to strengthen health systems around the country.”