The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has disclosed plans to establish a molecular laboratory in Nasarawa State to enable medical experts carry out COVID-19 tests.
Director-General of the centre, Chikwe Ihekweazu, disclosed this during a visit to the state governor, Abdullahi Sule, at the Government House, on Wednesday.
Ihekweazu, who said the NCDC would work with the state government to set up the laboratory in the next few weeks, added that he was in the state to inspect facilities at the Nasarawa State Infectious Diseases Control Centre, in Lafia, the state capital.
If the molecular laboratory comes to fruition, COVID-19 tests would be conducted in Lafia, instead of taking samples to Abuja for the testing.
The NCDC boss said, “I’m going to Abuja with two mandates. What I can do from the small pot of resources – human, technical and otherwise. But also really to passionately talk to the PTF to recognise the work you are doing and support you.”
The governor in his reaction said the state was willing to partner with the NCDC on the establishment of the testing centre.
He disclosed plans to construct the link road leading to the location of the testing site, adding that necessary infrastructure would be provided in order to facilitate easy access to the facility.
