Nigeria has reached a landmark moment in its healthcare journey following regulatory approval for robotic surgery by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), becoming the first country in West Africa to authorise the clinical use of a robotic surgical system.
The approval covers the Toumai robotic surgical platform and confirms its safety and clinical effectiveness for use on Nigerian patients. With this decision, Nigeria formally opens the door to advanced robotic-assisted procedures, a move that positions the country at the forefront of surgical innovation in the sub-region, which is home to more than 400 million people.
The regulatory clearance follows a pivotal clinical milestone achieved in November 2025, when the first robotic-assisted surgeries in West Africa were successfully performed at NISA Premier Hospital in Abuja. The procedures were led by Dr. Obi Ekwenna, Chief Executive Officer of RoboMed, the company partnering to introduce the technology to the region. Both patients recovered rapidly and were discharged within 12 and 48 hours respectively, outcomes that reflect the reduced recovery times often associated with minimally invasive robotic surgery when compared with traditional open procedures.
Robotic surgical systems are designed to enhance a surgeon’s precision, translating controlled hand movements into highly refined actions during complex operations. Their adoption globally has been associated with reduced surgical trauma, less post-operative pain, and quicker returns to daily activity. Nigerian clinicians involved in the initial procedures report that these benefits were evident from the outset.
Speaking on the approval, RoboMed executives described the decision as both a validation of the technology and a broader statement about Africa’s capacity for healthcare leadership. Company officials noted that Nigeria’s regulatory breakthrough demonstrates that advanced medical innovation can be responsibly deployed in low- and middle-income settings when supported by strong oversight and local expertise.
At NISA Premier Hospital, the approval represents the realisation of a long-standing ambition to deliver world-class care domestically. The hospital’s leadership has consistently framed the adoption of advanced technologies as a way to reduce medical tourism and ensure that Nigerians can access high-quality treatment without travelling abroad.
Following NAFDAC’s clearance, RoboMed has announced plans to expand robotic surgery services through partnerships with hospitals across Nigeria and, over time, the wider West African region. Central to this strategy is the establishment of the RoboMed Academy, a training programme aimed at equipping local surgeons with the skills required to perform robotic-assisted procedures, ensuring sustainability and long-term capacity development.
A public launch of the Toumai robotic surgical system is scheduled to take place in Abuja in January 2026, while widespread adoption will depend on infrastructure, training, and cost considerations.
Nigeria’s regulatory approval marks a decisive step forward, signalling not only access to cutting-edge surgical care, but also the country’s growing influence in shaping the future of healthcare innovation in Africa.
No comments:
Post a Comment