A Lagos-based disposable syringe manufacturer has called for increased patronage of made-in-Nigeria health-related products as a safer option.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu inaugurated the O-Care Disposable Syringes Factory as the first in the state at a recently held commissioning event where the Managing Director of the parent company, Transgreen Nigeria Limited, Cyprian Orakpo, called on the state government to purchase locally produced medical and healthcare goods.

Orakpo promoted locally-produced medical products as safer than imported counterparts, stating, “More partnership between Lagos State Government and local manufacturers by patronising Made-in-Nigeria goods especially health-related products for obvious reasons.

“The sterility of imported syringes for example cannot be guaranteed as some of them might have been produced at facilities that don’t observe the industry best practices or outside regulatory supervisions, unlike locally manufactured syringes under the regulation of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.”

Further, Orakpo sought to partner with Lagos State “in guaranteeing health security for her residents,” describing the commissioned facility as a Class 10,000 clean room, and a step in the firm’s vision to “become a world-class manufacturer of medical consumables that will be the preferred choice of all the stakeholders by the year 2032.”

He also noted that his firm faced challenges in building the O-Care facility, including the high cost of power, multiple taxes, and road infrastructure. Transgreen Nigeria’s MD sought the Lagos State government’s intervention to solve the challenges.

Lagos deputy governor Hazmat noted that the commissioning of the disposable syringe maker positions the state as a hub for medical innovation in Africa.

The deputy governor pledged support to industrialisation initiatives to support more factories. He explained: “The administration remains committed to creating an enabling environment for big business like yours because you must thrive, and you must do well to start investing in infrastructure, power supply, and policy reforms.”

Hamzat assured of improved road construction and power generation and supply, following the concerns raised by Orakpo.

Manufacturing and health stakeholders in attendance affirmed the commissioning of the factory as a significant step in industrialisation, healthcare, and job creation.

Minister of State for Industry, John Enoh, represented by the Director of Chemical and Non-petrochemical Department, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Opaluwa John, said the O-Care Disposable Syringe factory was a beneficiary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment’s policies on manufacturing, processing and value addition which covers expansion, establishment, promotion and protection of industries and industrial activities through incentives, concessions and waivers.

Meanwhile, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, represented by the Director of Vaccines, Biologics and Medical Devices Registration and Regulatory Affairs, Khadijah Ade-Abolade, affirmed that the O-Care Disposable Syringe factory was NAFDAC-approved. “We are proud to say that O-Care Syringes meets all regulatory requirements for safety, quality, and good performance,” Ade-Abolade declared.

NAFDAC hailed Orakpo for demonstrating a “forward-thinking approach to addressing healthcare challenges in Nigeria,” noting that during the COVID-19 pandemic, he “was able to achieve manufacturing of medical face masks, a product that was not only needed locally but also saved countless lives when the world faced severe shortages.”

The Bank of Industry Divisional Head, MSME Southwest and Lagos, Cynthia Nwuka, representing the Director/ CEO of BOI, Dr Olasupo Olusi, hailed the O-Care Disposable Syringes factory as embodying industrial progress which the country urgently needs.

“This facility not only reduces reliance on imports and strengthens our position in global medical manufacturing but also creates jobs and transfers vital technical expertise to local professionals, a key factor in sustainable economic growth,” Nwuka remarked. “The success of this project paves the way for similar investments aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s economy and improving healthcare access.”