NAFDAC approves Toumai Robotic System for clinical use in Nigeria

NIGERIA—Nigeria has set a new milestone in medical innovation as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) approved the Toumai robotic surgical system for clinical use.

The regulatory clearance makes Nigeria the first country in West Africa to authorise a robotic surgery platform for patient care, signalling a major step forward in the country’s healthcare capabilities.

The approval followed a thorough evaluation of the system’s safety and performance after successful robotic procedures conducted at NISA Premier Hospital in Abuja on November 22, 2025.

NAFDAC’s decision came after assessing outcomes from these surgeries, which used the Toumai system manufactured by Shanghai MicroPort MedBot.

The procedures were performed by Dr. Obi Ekwe, Chief Executive Officer of RoboMed, in collaboration with the hospital’s surgical team.

According to NAFDAC, the approval reflects confidence in the platform’s clinical efficacy and safety profile.

 Dr. Ekwe explained that the decision underscored the agency’s commitment to ensuring that advanced medical technologies meet the highest standards before deployment.

“This approval demonstrates NAFDAC’s rigorous evaluation process and commitment to patient safety,” he said.

“Nigerian patients can now access world-class robotic surgery at home without the need to travel abroad.”

Preliminary data from NISA Premier Hospital showed that patients who underwent robotic surgeries experienced faster recovery than those who typically undergo open surgery.

One patient who received a robotic nephrectomy was discharged within 12 hours, while another who underwent a robotic prostatectomy left the hospital within 48 hours.

These timelines represent significantly shorter postoperative stays, offering encouraging signs for patient recovery and hospital efficiency.

The Toumai robotic surgical system features three-dimensional visualisation and multiple robotic arms that enhance surgical precision and reduce the likelihood of complications.

Dr. Ekwe noted that robotic assistance allows for finer movements and minimal invasiveness, resulting in less pain and quicker rehabilitation.

“Robotic surgery delivers precision the human hand cannot match,” he said.

“Our patients experienced less pain, faster recovery, and a quicker return to their normal routines.”

RoboMed’s Chief Operating Officer, Efosa Eluma, emphasised that the regulatory approval established a pathway for broader clinical adoption across Nigeria and potentially other African nations.

“This milestone proves that Africa can lead in healthcare innovation,” he said.

 “We have laid the foundation for large-scale integration of robotic systems—this is just the beginning.”

NISA Premier Hospital’s founder, Dr. Ibrahim Wada, highlighted how the development aligns with the hospital’s long-term goal of reducing outbound medical travel.

 “We established NISA so Nigerians could access quality healthcare locally. Today, that vision is becoming a reality,” he said.

A public launch of the Toumai robotic surgery platform will take place in Abuja in January 2026, marking the beginning of its official rollout in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.