Latest Headlines
Governor Sanwo-OluInaugurates Disposable Syringe Factory in Lagos
•Ministers, others hail new venture
Dike Onwuamaeze
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday commissioned the Transgreen Nigeria Limited’s ultra-modern O-Care Disposable Syringe factory in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos State.
The commissioning yesterday attracted the presence of First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and is the first of its kind in the state. It is designed to produce high-quality, sterile syringes that meet international standards.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Femi Hamzat, highlighted the significance of the project, stating that it represents a critical step towards achieving Lagos state’s vision of becoming a leading hub for industrial innovation and excellence in Africa.
He said: “Healthcare is one of the pillars of our administration’s development agenda. And I am delighted to witness the realisation of this world-class facility, which aligns with our vision for a healthier and more prosperous Lagos State.
“The establishment of this factory demonstrates the power of collaboration between government and private sector in addressing critical gaps in our healthcare system. Therefore, O-Care Disposable Syringes’s factory is more than just a manufacturing plant. It is a symbol of innovation, resilience, and commitment to excellence.”
In his welcome address, Managing Director of Transgreen Nigeria Limited, Mr. Cyprian Orakpo, expressed his gratitude to the guests and acknowledged the support of the Lagos State Government, the federal government, and financial institutions in making the project a reality.
Orakpo said: “Today marks a significant milestone in our journey to become a world-class manufacturer of medical consumables. We are proud to have taken this bold step towards self-sufficiency in medical device manufacturing, and we are committed to scaling up our operations to meet the healthcare needs of our nation.”
In his goodwill message, the Minister of State for Industry, Senator Owan Enoh, commended Transgreen Nigeria Limited for its huge investment despite the current economic challenges facing the country.
Enoh said: “I want to encourage the company to collaborate more with the ministry to ensure diversification, creation of jobs and ensure patronage of locally manufactured syringes and needles.”
The Minister of Health, Prof. Ali Pate, who was represented by Dr. Abdul Muktar, described the facility as the first of its kind in Lagos State, noting that it marked a significant milestone in the collective efforts to enhance healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
Muktar said: “I am wearing a double hat today as the representative of the Minister of Health and as the National Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC).
“Today, we celebrate the visionary leadership and entrepreneurial spirit of Mr. Cyprian Orakpo, the astute and incurable entrepreneur who has tirelessly championed the cause of ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ goods.”
Muktar noted that during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Orakpo led the charge as the first Nigerian manufacturer of medical face masks under the Transgreen Nigeria Limited brand.
“As the National Coordinator of the PVAC, I am particularly proud of this achievement. It aligns perfectly with our mission to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure and promote self-reliance in the production of essential medical supplies,” he said.
In her goodwill message, The Director General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Moji Adeyeye, said that the O-Care Disposable Syringes’ factory is a landmark achievement by Transgreen Nigeria Limited.
Adeyeye said: “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 for Nigerians and the entire African continent.
“Orakpo’s journey is a shining example of the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit that we need in Nigeria.”
Speaking during the ceremony, the President of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Francis Meshioye, tasked both the state and federal governments to protect the investment with the right policies, the right incentives and the right support to scale.
The Managing Director of Bank of Industry (BOI), Dr. Olasupo Olusi, said that the commissioning of the company would strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system by ensuring a reliable supply of locally produced medical consumables while reducing dependence on imports.
Olusi, who was represented by Divisional Head, MSME, South West and Lagos, BOI, Mrs. Uche Nwuka, said that the facility signifies a crucial step towards a robust and reliable domestic supply of essential medical consumables, reducing outflows and enhancing Nigeria’s healthcare resilience.
