The Society of Testing Laboratory Analysts of Nigeria (SoTLAN) has expressed concerns that the laboratory sector in Nigeria is being hindered by an over-reliance on imported equipment and a lack of government support.

At the sixth annual Conference of Public Analysts, SoTLAN’s president, Professor Olugbenga Ogunmoyela, emphasized the challenges faced by the sector, including the government’s decision to withdraw funding from professional agencies and the dissolution of the Governing Council of the Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria.

He highlighted the need for optimization of laboratory analytics and quality assurance in the current economic climate.

The government’s decision to remove fuel and electricity subsidies, combined with a directive, hindered the interim presidential committee’s ability to function effectively.

The Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN), a parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Health, plays a crucial role in training, examining, and registering public analysts, as well as regulating their practice.

The Society of Testing Laboratory Analysts of Nigeria (SoTLAN) is the professional arm of public analysts, and has been advocating for the reconstitution of IPAN’s governing council and the payment of salary arrears.

In June 2023, President Bola Tinubu dissolved the governing boards of federal parastatals, but in January 2024, restored funding for 13 national health regulators, including IPAN. Despite the challenges, SoTLAN has managed to navigate the uncertainties, and Professor Olugbenga Ogunmoyela, its president, expressed gratitude for the restored funding.

He emphasized the need for continued government support to overcome under-investment in the analytical laboratory sector, which is essential for the sector’s effective functioning without disruption.

“We are determined to advocate, solicit, and relate with the government for access to the multi-billion naira support needed to revitalise our professional sector in the overall interest of the environment and health of the nation. As we have always noted, the long-term benefits to the nation in terms of self-reliance and stoppage of capital flight in this sector will be enormous,” Ogunmoyela noted.

He expressed his concern that relying on imported laboratory equipment was no longer a viable or sustainable solution, highlighting the need for a more self-sufficient approach.

“For too long we have depended so much on the importation of laboratory equipment and practically everything. We have to begin to think inwards. We have to begin to look at how we can reduce the level of capital flight. Maintenance is a major issue and because of the lack of maintenance, many laboratory equipment rot away so we want to start by looking at optimising laboratory analytics and quality assurance and that is the theme of this year’s conference.

“The whole idea is to ensure that we begin to look at how we can sharpen ourselves, develop and build competencies that will help to further drive laboratory analytical techniques and begin to look at a much more robust future, especially for our young and upcoming analysts,” the don highlighted.

He stressed that laboratory testing is crucial for maintaining a healthy environment and protecting public health.

As President of the Consumer Advocacy for Food Safety and Nutrition Initiative, Ogunmoyela highlighted the challenges public analysts face in accessing funds to import high-quality testing kits, leading to unqualified individuals importing inferior products, which can compromise food safety and public health.

“In many cases, they will bring in analytical grade reagents and people just bring in something that does not matter. We need to begin to look at how they trade and empower our people to not only own the lab but ensure that they have a hand in the importation of laboratory chemicals,” the don mentioned.

Professor Ogunmoyela, a renowned expert in Food Science and Technology, emphasized that many IPAN-certified and accredited laboratories in Nigeria have the potential to compete globally.

He urged individuals and organizations in need of laboratory test kits to procure them from accredited suppliers to prevent the circulation of substandard products.

The conference, which coincided with World Laboratory Day, World Environment Day, and World Food Safety Day, aimed to highlight the crucial role of public analysts in addressing environmental and food safety challenges.

The event featured the induction of 16 new Fellows, recognized for their significant contributions to the field, and encouraged eligible members to apply for Fellowships to enhance their professional development.

Despite economic challenges, the conference received support from members and corporate sponsors, which was acknowledged by the SoTLAN president.

The keynote speaker, Dr. Mary-Anne Adeeko, stressed the importance of reliable laboratory reports based on standardized tests to ensure the safety and quality of materials and products for human consumption and environmental sustainability.

She said “The trusted lab report gives confidence and reliability to customers. The trusted lab report breaks the technical barriers of international trade permanently. It maintains the sustainable level of exports and makes testing business profitable with high return on investment.”

Dr. Adeeko emphasized the significance of analytics in enabling businesses to operate efficiently, maximize profits, and make informed decisions.

She noted that while laboratory equipment and maintenance can be costly, the long-term investment enhances the lab’s credibility and contributes to business growth.

However, Adeeko pointed out that laboratories in Nigeria face numerous challenges, including poor returns on investments, high analysis costs, and lack of government support, which hinders their ability to compete with advanced technology and meet quality control standards for international clients. This lack of support limits the competitiveness of private labs in Nigeria.

“So in pursuance of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we need to update the material quality policy to facilitate and support the standards methodology and accreditation. All these are requirements for the credibility of the scientific parameters because they deal with the system that produces the scientific parameters.

“The National Quality Assurance Infrastructure was set up with the funding from the UN to review the quality infrastructure available and then it was a new suggestion to the National Quality Assurance Institute. It was a new suggestion to fix the national quality issues. I’m happy to say that we were part of this national quality infrastructure process,” the analyst mentioned.

Dr. Adeeko encouraged analysts to familiarize themselves with the Nigerian National Quality policy and implement its requirements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

She advised them to think globally and act locally, and emphasized the need to train young analysts in laboratory technology, assembly, and maintenance to reduce maintenance costs, create jobs, and increase revenue.

Additionally, Adeeko urged SoTLAN to foster collaboration with stakeholders, equipment suppliers, and laboratories to promote teamwork and enhance the sector’s performance.