Health
NAFDAC Approves West Africa’s First Robotic Surgical Platform
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has granted regulatory approval for the Toumai robotic surgical system, making Nigeria the first country in West Africa to authorise a robotic surgery platform for clinical use.
Talk Nigeria gathered that the clearance followed a thorough assessment of the system’s safety and efficacy during procedures performed at NISA Premier Hospital in Abuja on November 22, 2025. The surgeries were conducted by Dr. Obi Ekwe, CEO of RoboMed, using the Toumai system manufactured by Shanghai MicroPort MedBot.
Speaking on the approval, Dr. Ekwenna highlighted that the decision reflects NAFDAC’s rigorous evaluation process. “This approval ensures that Nigerian patients can access world-class surgical care at home, without the need to travel abroad. The platform meets the highest regulatory standards,” he said.
Patients who underwent initial procedures, including robotic nephrectomy and prostatectomy, were discharged within 12 to 48 hours, significantly faster than typical recovery timelines for open surgeries. The Toumai system provides three-dimensional visualisation and employs multiple robotic arms to enhance surgical precision.
Dr. Obi Ekwe emphasized the technology’s benefits: “Robotic surgery delivers precision beyond the human hand. Our patients experienced faster recovery, less pain, and a quicker return to daily life.”
RoboMed’s Chief Operating Officer, Efosa Eluma, noted that the approval establishes a framework for wider deployment across Nigeria and Africa. “This demonstrates that Africa can lead in healthcare innovation. Today’s approval is just the beginning,” he said.
Founder of NISA Premier Hospital, Dr. Ibrahim Wada, underscored that the platform aligns with the hospital’s mission to reduce outbound medical travel for Nigerians. A public launch of the Toumai system is scheduled for January 2026 in Abuja.
Benue State has recorded seven new suspected cases of Lassa fever, prompting heightened vigilance from health authorities and renewed concern among residents.
The State Epidemiologist, Dr. Asema Msuega, confirmed in Makurdi that samples from the suspected cases have been collected and sent for laboratory testing to confirm infection. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to ensure a swift response.
Dr. Msuega urged residents to adopt preventive measures, including keeping food properly covered and protected from rodents, which are primary carriers of the virus. He emphasized that maintaining good hygiene can significantly reduce the risk of infection.
The Ministry of Health and Human Services has intensified community awareness campaigns across the state, focusing on rodent control, environmental sanitation, and regular clean-up exercises. Special attention is being given to Lassa fever hotspots, with increased health education and surveillance to quickly identify and respond to new cases.
Healthcare facilities in Benue have been equipped to manage suspected cases, and medical personnel have received training to provide the necessary care. Rapid response teams are on standby to prevent further transmission within communities.
Dr. Msuega advised residents to remain calm and report any symptoms such as fever, weakness, or unexplained bleeding to the nearest health facility, highlighting that early detection is critical for effective treatment and containment of the disease.
The Jigawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (JSPHCDA), working in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), has destroyed 5,520 cartons of expired noodles that were earmarked for use during immunisation campaigns across the state.
The disposal exercise was carried out after the food items, which were intended to serve as incentives for participants in polio and routine immunisation programmes, exceeded their shelf life before distribution.
Speaking during the destruction exercise, the State Cold Chain Officer, Yusuf Inuwa, explained that the noodles were supplied by WHO ahead of the National Immunisation Plus Days (NIPDs) campaign scheduled for November 2025. However, a subsequent directive from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) postponed the campaign to December 2, 2025. By that time, the products had already expired.
Inuwa said all the cartons were immediately recalled from the 27 local government areas of the state to prevent accidental distribution to the public. He stressed that allowing expired food items into circulation could pose serious health risks, including food poisoning, and undermine public confidence in health interventions.
He added that expired consumables no longer serve as support materials but rather become liabilities that must be safely disposed of in line with public health standards.
The destruction of the expired noodles was monitored by representatives of WHO, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Jigawa State Environmental Protection Agency, and members of the media to ensure transparency and compliance with safety regulations.