National Strategy to Scale Up Access to Coronavirus Disease Testing in Nigeria
Strategy · Health
A Strategy scales up COVID-19 testing in Nigeria by expanding laboratory networks and community testing. It targets public health laboratories, healthcare facilities, and the general public. This enables better case detection and public health responses.
National Strategy to Scale Up Access to Coronavirus Disease Testing in Nigeria
What Is This Policy?
A strategy developed during the COVID-19 pandemic to rapidly expand testing capacity across Nigeria, including laboratory networks, point-of-care testing, community testing, and surveillance testing to guide the public health response.
Who Does It Target?
NCDC and public health laboratories Healthcare facilities providing COVID-19 services State epidemiologists and disease surveillance officers The general public requiring testing
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Significantly increase the volume and accessibility of COVID-19 testing in Nigeria to enable case detection, contact tracing, and informed public health decision-making.
Key Features
Laboratory Expansion: Activation and equipping of molecular testing laboratories across all geopolitical zones Point-of-Care Testing: Deployment of rapid diagnostic tests at health facilities and community settings Sample Collection: Expanded sample collection sites and mobile testing teams Supply Chain: Procurement and distribution of test kits, reagents, and personal protective equipment Data Systems: Electronic reporting and tracking of testing volumes and results
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Implemented during the pandemic; infrastructure maintained for future preparedness Coverage: All 36 states and FCT Lead Agency: Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Partners: WHO, Africa CDC, USAID, development partners
How to Access
Testing services were made available at designated centres and through mobile teams. Testing locations published by NCDC and state health authorities Free testing available at public health facilities during the pandemic
Official Resources
Website: ncdc.gov.ng Contact: NCDC, Abuja
Legal Framework
Operates under the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control Establishment Act 2018, the National Health Act 2014, the Public Health Act, and the Emergency Economic Stabilisation Act 2020. Draws on WHO COVID-19 testing guidelines, the International Health Regulations 2005, and the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 framework.