Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria strengthens diagnostic reliability as 11 medical laboratories receive ISO 15189:2022 accreditation, a move experts describe as a milestone for patient safety and disease surveillance.
The Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) presents the certificates on Tuesday in Abuja, with Acting Registrar Donald Ofili calling the achievement a defining moment for healthcare quality.
“This accreditation confirms competence, impartiality and consistent laboratory operations in line with international standards,” Ofili says.
The accredited facilities include private, public, military and research laboratories that meet stringent global requirements. According to Ofili, the certification improves patient safety, supports accurate clinical decisions and enhances Nigeria’s competitiveness in global health services.
He stresses that accreditation is not a one-off event.
“Sustaining it demands continuous audits, staff development, equipment maintenance and strict adherence to procedures,” he adds, assuring that MLSCN will conduct periodic surveillance assessments.
Support partners, including Sightsavers Nigeria, say the accreditation strengthens laboratories supporting neglected tropical disease surveillance. Country Director Joy Shuaibu notes that the effort positions Nigerian labs to deliver reliable diagnostics regionally.
University and military leaders also welcome the development. The Nigerian Navy says accreditation of its reference hospitals in Ojo and Calabar confirms its commitment to evidence-based, patient-centred care, while the Federal Capital Territory Administration describes certification of Wuse, Asokoro and Maitama hospitals as proof of improved healthcare governance.
Health experts agree that accurate diagnostics remain the foundation of effective treatment and disease control nationwide.
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