Nigeria has recorded a major medical milestone, as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) granted regulatory approval for the Toumai robotic surgical system, making the country the first in West Africa to clear a robotic surgery platform for clinical use.
The approval confirmed the safety and efficacy of the robotic system for Nigerian patients and opened access to advanced surgical care for more than 400 million people across the sub-region.
The development marked a significant leap in Nigeria’s healthcare technology landscape and placed the country at the forefront of surgical innovation in Africa.
The approval followed the successful completion of West Africa’s first robotic surgeries, carried out on November 22, 2025, at NISA Premier Hospital, Abuja, by Chief Executive Officer of RoboMed, Dr. Obi Ekwenna.
The two patients involved in the procedures were discharged within 12 and 48 hours, respectively, a recovery period significantly shorter than what was typical with traditional open surgery.
Ekwenna said the clearance reflected the rigor of NAFDAC’s evaluation process and reassured patients of the system’s safety.
He stated, “This approval reflects NAFDAC’s thorough evaluation of the technology’s safety profile. Nigerian patients can trust that this platform meets the highest regulatory standards.
“They no longer need to travel abroad for world-class surgical care; we have brought it home.”
The Toumai robotic surgical system, manufactured by Shanghai-based MicroPort MedBot, allows surgeons to perform complex procedures with greater precision through high-definition 3D visualisation and four robotic arms.
The technology enables minimally invasive surgery, resulting in smaller incisions, reduced pain, lower risk of complications, and faster recovery times for patients.
Reacting to the approval, First Vice President of MicroPort Overseas Business, Dr. Altug Ergin, described the development as a milestone not just for Nigeria but for healthcare delivery across emerging markets.
Ergin stated, “MicroPort MedBot is honored to partner with RoboMed in bringing the Toumai robotic surgical system to West Africa.
“This historic approval validates our shared vision that advanced surgical robotics should reach patients everywhere.
“Nigeria’s leadership will inspire healthcare innovation across Africa and other low and middle-income countries.”
RoboMed Chief Operating Officer, Efosa Eluma, said the approval demonstrated Africa’s capacity to lead in healthcare innovation.
“This is proof that Africa can lead in healthcare innovation. We have built the foundation to scale; this is just the beginning,” Eluma stated.
Chief Medical Officer of RoboMed, Dr. Iyore James, highlighted the clinical benefits already observed from the surgeries.
“Robotic surgery delivers precision that the human hand cannot match. Our patients experienced it firsthand; faster recovery, less pain, and quicker return to their daily lives,” James said.
Founder of NISA Premier Hospital, Dr. Ibrahim Wada, OON, described the approval as the fulfilment of a long-held vision.
“We built NISA so Nigerians would no longer need to seek care abroad. Today, that vision is real,” Wada said.
Following the regulatory approval, RoboMed announced plans to expand its operations through partnerships with hospitals across Nigeria and the wider region.
The company will also establish the RoboMed Academy to train local surgeons in robotic procedures, ensuring long-term sustainability and local capacity development.
A public launch of the robotic surgical platform is scheduled to take place in Abuja in January 2026.
Sunday Ehigiator
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