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.