Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Abuja, Nigeria — In a landmark advancement for the nation’s healthcare sector, Nigeria has become the first country in West Africa to secure regulatory approval for a robotic surgical system, a development health experts say could transform surgical care across the region. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) recently granted clearance for the Toumai robotic surgical platform, marking a historic milestone in medical innovation and elevating Nigeria’s position as a leader in advanced healthcare technology on the continent.
The approval follows rigorous evaluation by NAFDAC, which confirmed the safety and efficacy of the system for clinical use, paving the way for its deployment in hospitals and surgical centres throughout Nigeria. The decision makes Nigeria the first West African country to clear a robotic surgical platform for use in medical procedures, expanding access to cutting‑edge technologies previously unavailable within the sub‑region.
The Toumai platform — manufactured by Shanghai‑based MicroPort MedBot and introduced in partnership with RoboMed and NISA Premier Hospital — enables surgeons to perform complex, minimally invasive operations with enhanced precision through advanced instrumentation, high‑definition 3D visualization and multiple robotic arms. The system’s design allows for smaller incisions, reduced blood loss, lower risk of complications and faster recovery times compared with traditional open surgeries, according to regulatory and clinical sources.
The first robotic surgeries using the Toumai system were successfully carried out on November 22, 2025, at NISA Premier Hospital in Abuja, reflecting a growing readiness within Nigeria’s medical community to adopt sophisticated surgical technologies. Patients involved in these pioneering procedures were discharged within 12 to 48 hours, illustrating the potential for robotic surgery to significantly improve patient outcomes and hospital efficiencies.
NAFDAC’s approval represents more than a technological milestone; it reflects strengthened regulatory capacity and a broader commitment to modernising the nation’s healthcare infrastructure. By authorising the use of this system, Nigeria is positioning itself as a hub for medical excellence in West Africa, with potential to draw patients from neighbouring countries and reduce the longstanding trend of medical tourism to Europe, North America and other parts of Africa.
Healthcare professionals and industry stakeholders have welcomed the breakthrough. Officials from MicroPort Overseas Business, which manufactures the Toumai system, described the approval as a validation of collaborative efforts to bring advanced surgical options to emerging markets. Leaders in the Nigerian medical technology space have also emphasised the importance of such innovations in closing gaps in care and enhancing clinical expertise across multiple surgical disciplines, including urology, gynaecology, oncology and general surgery.
Reacting to the regulatory clearance, health sector voices highlighted the broader implications for Nigeria’s capacity to train and retain specialist surgeons. Plans are underway to expand access and build local capacity through knowledge transfer and structured training programmes for Nigerian surgeons, nurses and biomedical engineers, ensuring sustainability and growth of robotic surgical practices nationwide.
The move has been welcomed by medical advocacy groups and public health policymakers, who argue that sophisticated surgical technologies are key to improving long‑term health outcomes and narrowing disparities in access to high‑quality care. With robotic surgery now officially sanctioned for clinical use, Nigeria is poised to accelerate its adoption of minimally invasive, technology‑driven medical interventions that can reduce surgical risks and hospital stays while delivering better overall patient experiences.
Beyond its immediate clinical advantages, the approval also carries economic and strategic significance. By embracing robotic surgery, Nigeria stands to foster innovation, attract investment in health technologies and position itself as a regional centre of excellence in advanced medical procedures. Experts say that as the system is integrated into more hospitals, it could also stimulate local biomedical engineering industries and create high‑skill jobs in healthcare and supporting sectors.
This development aligns with broader national and global efforts to enhance healthcare delivery through technology, reflecting Nigeria’s ambition to leapfrog traditional service limitations and offer world‑class care domestically. With an estimated population of more than 200 million and serving a sub‑region of over 400 million people, Nigeria’s regulatory approval sets a precedent for neighbouring countries seeking to adopt similar innovations in surgical care.
Following the regulatory green light, health sector partners have announced plans for formal public launches, educational campaigns and expansion partnerships in early 2026, aimed at raising awareness and facilitating widespread adoption of robotic surgery solutions. The rollout is expected to include investment in training programmes and infrastructure upgrades to ensure that facilities across Nigeria are prepared for the safe and effective use of the technology.
As the country enters this new era of medical technology, patients, clinicians and policymakers alike are optimistic about the potential impact of robotic surgery on healthcare outcomes in Nigeria and beyond. With the backing of a strengthened regulatory framework and growing local expertise, the adoption of advanced surgical robotics may well mark the beginning of a transformative chapter in West African medical history.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments