Scaling up genomic sequencing in Nigeria

Nigeria has stepped up COVID-19 genomic surveillance to effectively track the evolution of the virus and adjust responses to pandemic waves driven by variants of concern. The country began carrying out genomic sequencing in March 2020. Currently it can carry out around 500 sequences per month. Before the pandemic, the country only had two laboratories with sequencing capacity. Genomic sequencing is currently done through a network of four laboratories coordinated by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control’s National Reference Laboratory.

“Virus genome sequencing is playing an important role in Nigeria’s efforts to tackle the pandemic. An analysis of the mutation rate in hundreds of sequenced genomes has enabled the country and the world at large to quickly identify the emerging mutations and how quickly the virus spreads,” says Dr Ndodo Nnaemeka, chief molecular bioengineer of the genomics and sequencing laboratory at the National Reference Laboratory in the capital Abuja.

Laboratory experts have received trainings from World Health Organization (WHO) and partner organizations. The Organization has also provided polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screening kits for rapid detection of variants of concern, laboratory consumables for PCR and sequencing as well as sample transport and storage equipment to Nigeria and other countries in Africa.

“By capacitating countries to promptly detect the existence of new and existing variants through PCR screening and genomic sequencing will help to better inform diagnostics, vaccines and treatment,” says Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO Representative in Nigeria.

Babatunde Olajumoke, Director, Public Health and Laboratory Services at the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, says that although the country’s genomic sequencing capacity is increasing, “we can still do better. We have gone quite a mile with COVID-19 sequencing in the country. At the onset of the pandemic, we started with only few samples, however, that has changed. The numbers of sample received by the laboratory for sequencing has increased. We receive samples from all over the country. Sequencing has enabled us to monitor the pattern of the virus and support the policymakers in taking measure to keep the public safe.”

Beyond establishing a laboratory and sequencing for COVID-19, genomic sequencing will enable the health authorities and researchers to monitor the evolution of other diseases of concern such as Lassa fever and yellow fever.

“We have recorded improvement with sequencing in the country based on three strategies: collaboration with partners, resource mobilization and political commitment of the government,” says Dr Ifedayo Adetifa, the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.