Victor EzejaAt a time when Nigeria is battling foreign exchange crisis and the effect of over reliance on importation, especially medical products, the setting up of a new disposable syringe factory in Lagos by O-Care has been hailed as a great milestone in boosting domestic production.
O-Care, a subsidiary of Transgreen Nigeria Limited, commissioned its factory for the production of disposable syringes in Lagos on Thursday, 13 March 2025.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe event witnessed the attendance of various personalities from industries and government agencies who came to identify with this noble adventure aimed at not only reducing reliance on importation of medical products but also addressing healthcare needs in the country.
Speaking at the event, Director General of the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, described the O-Care Syringe Factory as “a groundbreaking project” and “a landmark achievement”, aimed at advancing healthcare in Nigeria.
Prof. Adeyeye, who was represented by Alhaja Khadijah Ade-Abolade, Director of Vaccine, Biologics & Medical Devices Registration and Regulatory Affairs, NAFDAC, said the commissioning of the factory is particularly significant for Nigeria and entire African continent because of its potential to address the challenges of importation.
“This moment marks not just the introduction of a new product but the advancement of healthcare in Nigeria which is in line with the vision of improving the quality of life in Nigeria and in the entire African continent,” Adeyeye stated.
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The NAFDAC DG said the agency took meticulous steps in approving the O-Care products to ensure that they meet all standards for safety and quality set for products that go into the Nigerian market.
She said NAFDAC has recommended the product because it adheres to international standards.
“We are proud to say that O-Care Syringe meets all regulatory requirements for safety, quality and good performance. This product is specially recommended by NAFDAC because we have established that it adheres to international standards,” she further stated.
She noted that in the past, Nigeria had relied heavily on importation of medical supplies to meet domestic needs which often left the country vulnerable, especially in times of global crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic.
“However, today, we are witnessing a shift, a movement towards local production, that not only creates jobs but also ensures that we are prepared to meet our own healthcare demands. This factory represents a crucial step in Nigeria’s drive to reduce importation, foster innovation and build a self-sustaining healthcare ecosystem.
The NAFDAC boss commended the CEO of Transgreen Nigeria Limited, Mr Cyprian Orakpo, for his vision, resilience and entrepreneurial Spirit, adding that such qualities are highly needed in Nigeria.
She commended the Lagos State government for supporting initiatives that bolster local manufacturing and strengthen the healthcare system.
She assured that NAFDAC remains committed to ensuring that products like O-Care Syringe and indeed, any other locally manufactured medical product meets the highest standards of quality and safety.
On his part, the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commended the company for the noble initiative.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, said healthcare is one the key pillars of his administration’s agenda and expressed delight in witnessing the commissioning ceremony of the project which focuses on addressing healthcare concerns.
“O-Care Disposal Syringe Factory is more than just a manufacturing plant. It is a symbol of resilience, and commitment to excellence. By producing high quality syringes locally, it reduces our dependence on imports, creating jobs for our people, and ensures that essential medical supplies are within reach,” the governor stated.
He further observed that the manufacturing facility supports the state’s broader goal of economic diversification and fostering industrial growth.
He assured that the Lagos State government would remain committed to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
He added that the state government is also focused on making strategic investments in power supply, infrastructure and policy reforms, to continue supporting initiatives that drive industrialisation.
Also speaking, Lagos State First Lady, Dr Mrs Ibijioke Sanwo-Olu, expressed her delight in witnessing the commissioning of such a remarkable project in the state.
She also noted that the establishment of O-Care Disposable Syringe factory is a significant milestone in the journey towards fostering in-country manufacturing of medical products thereby reducing costly imports, scarcity and proliferation of unreliable products.
“This initiative is a major milestone in advancing self-sufficiency in medical supplies and enhancing healthcare delivery in our state and beyond,” the first lady stated.
She stressed that the establishment of the syringes factory is a significant boost to the Lagos State government’s agenda in strengthening the healthcare sector and ensuring access to essential medical infrastructure to residents.
She recalled that during the COVID-19 pandemic when essential medical supplies were running out, Transgreen came up with the initiative of local production of face masks, the O-Care face mask brand, which was distributed not just in Nigeria but also exported to other African countries that it needed at the time.
As a medical expert, the Lagos first lady also highlighted the importance of syringes in healthcare.
Beyond the impact on healthcare, Dr Ibijioke noted that the establishment would also contribute to driving economic growth and creating employment opportunities for people and enhancing the capacity of the state to respond to medical emergencies.
In his address, the Managing Director of Transgreen Nigeria limited, Mr Cyprian Orakpo, said the event marks not only the launch of the company’s latest product but also the inauguration of Nigeria’s first disposable syringe manufacturing facility in Lagos State.
He expressed gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed in various ways to make the project a successful one.
Orakpo commended NAFDAC for its regulatory activities, noting that the agency’s favourable policies and regulations on syringes have paved the way for them to venture into the medical devices industry, thereby taking “significant steps toward self-sufficiency in medical devices manufacturing.”
He also thanked financial institutions such as the Bank of Industry, and Premium Trust Bank, for their unwavering support and financing the project.
Mr Orakpo also extended his appreciation to the Lagos State governor, noting that his leadership and commitment to advancing industrial development and healthcare in the state has created an environment in which companies like Transgreen can thrive.
National President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Otumba Francis Meshioye, congratulated the company for successfully setting up the disposable syringe manufacturing plant.
The MAN president, who was represented by the association’s Vice president, Lagos zone, Prince Oba Okojie, stated that by setting up the factory, the company has demonstrated resilience in manufacturing and audacity to show that local production is still possible in the country.
According to him, the setting up of the factory sets a new narrative where local manufacturing meets national demands and where healthcare and industry intersect for impact.
He observed that not only will the business create jobs, save foreign exchange and enhance access to quality medical supplies “but it also places Nigeria on the part of self-reliance in essential healthcare infrastructure, a lesson that COVID-19 pandemic scared into our national consciousness.”
On her part, MD/CEO of Bank of Industry, Dr Olasupo Olusi, said the factory will strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system by ensuring a reliable supply of locally produced medical consumables while reducing dependence on imports.
The MD of BOI, who was represented by the General Manager Large Enterprises Directorate of the bank, Mrs Cynthia Uche Nwuka, stated that for decades, Nigeria had relied on imports for critical healthcare products which strains the economy and exposes the country to supply chain disruptions.
She cited a recent United Nations data, which showed that Nigeria’s imports of pharmaceutical products amounted to over 756 million US Dollars in 2023, as medical tourism also posed a major challenge, with billions of naira leaving the economy annually.
“However, this factory represents a crucial step toward revitalizing domestic healthcare production and potentially reversing this trend,” the BOI MD stated.
She emphasised that BOI recognises the critical role of the private sector in healthcare transformation, hence its role in funding medical equipment manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and healthcare service providers among others in the sector.
“We structure loans to help businesses scale operations and acquire modern technology to improve efficiency. Furthermore, Our partnerships with government agencies and international organisations enhance access to capital for industries focused on improving public health. Additionally, we support initiatives aimed at increasing the availability of medical supplies, particularly in vulnerable regions.”
She added that BOI remains committed to supporting industries, such as O-Care Disposable Syringes, which enhance Nigeria’s economic resilience.
She encouraged other investors to seize opportunities in Nigeria’s burgeoning manufacturing and healthcare sectors, adding that the success of the project paves the way for similar investments aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s economy and improving healthcare access.
She commended the MD of Transgreen Nigeria Limited for his leadership and commitment to local manufacturing.
Other highlights of the event included a tour of the factory by dignitaries and presentation of 20,000 Syringes to the Lagos State government by the MD of the company, Mr Cyprian Orakpo.
Other dignitaries at the event included National Coordinator of the Presidential initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), Dr Abdu Mukhtar, represented by Funke Falade; Director of Chemical and Petrochemical Department, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr Opaluwa John, who represented the Minister of State, Senator John Enoh; Commissioner for Health Lagos State, Prof. Akin Abayomi; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr Olusegun Ogboye; Director General MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir; His Royal Highness, Igwe Gerald Mbamalu, Ezeoranyelu I of Ojoto; Vice Chairman Famfa Oil, Limited, Apostle Folorunso Alakija; Managing Director of Premium Trust Bank, Mr Emmanuel Emefienim; and President, Nigeria Pharma Industry Association, Lagos, Dr Okey Akpa among many others.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
