Nigerian Government Announces Successful Development Of COVID-19 Test Kit

The federal government has announced the indigenous development and validation of the RNA Swift, a test kit meant for the identification of SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, to speed up the capacity to test individuals and help manage the pandemic in the nation.

The disclosure was made in Abuja by the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, and he said that the RNA Swift “has the amazing precision for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 and would be available at a price that places it ahead of competitors in terms of sensitivity and affordability.”

Dr. Onu further mentioned that the RNA Swift was borne out of the need in the Agricultural sector to test Nigerian farmers and laborers in the country.

He said that in the coming months, 5 million farmers will undergo testing with the RNA Swift kits from the first 10 million kits to be made.

The Minister went to describe the development of the kit as “Nigeria’s gift to help Africa and the world fight the COVID-19 pandemic”, adding that by encouraging Nigerian scientists and innovators, the country has the ability to provide solutions to global challenges.