Faster and Cheaper Covid-19 Test Kit Developed by Nigeria

Nigeria has reportedly developed a Covid-19 test kit that shows results in less than 40 minutes. Health Minister Olurunimbe Mamora said it was much faster and 10 times cheaper than the PCR testing method currently being used.

While the test kit has raised hopes of boosting the country’s low testing rate – Nigeria has so far tested just over 500 000 people out of its population of around 200 million -the BBC reports that it is yet to be approved by regulatory bodies.

The test kit, known as SARS-COV-2 Isothermal Molecular Assay was developed by Nigeria’s Institute of Medical Research. Boss Mustapha, who heads Nigeria’s Covid-19 response task force, said the kit was Nigeria’s contribution to the global fight against the pandemic through scientific research.

According to the country’s health authorities, the test kits will be distributed to communities as soon as a ‘validation process’ is completed.

With the number of daily confirmed infections declining, Nigeria has recorded more than 58 000 coronavirus cases, and more than 1 000 related deaths.

Umm Muhammed Umar

Professor Muaaz Bhamjee: Making Waves In Science

Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za 27 November 2025 3-minute read From a young age, Muaaz Bhamjee’s interest in science and engineering was sparked with his love for reading and a desire to know how simple things like technology, natural systems and household...

Release Of The Long-Awaited IPEP

Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za 25 November 2025 2-minute read Plans for the release of a long-awaited, IPEP, the Illustrated People’s Energy Plan, was unveiled at the ‘We the 99% People’s Summit’ at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg last week. Coinciding...

G20 Summit: Analysts Praise South Africa’s Leadership Amid US Tensions

Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za 3-minute read | 24 November 2025 | 15:45 CAT South Africa’s successful hosting of the G20 Leaders’ Summit has been met with widespread acclaim from political analysts, who say the country demonstrated firm diplomatic leadership...

ASRI Report: US G20 Handover Dispute, Gigaba Corruption Case & ANC Power Struggles

Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za 3-minute read | 24 November 2025 | 12:15 CAT This week’s ASRI Report dives into a swirl of political manoeuvring, corruption revelations, and looming succession battles within South Africa, as unpacked by political analyst Angelo...

The Asia Pacific Report

20 November 2025 | 11:51 CAT 3-minute read During this week’s Asia-Pacific Report, Walden Bello, an academic, human-rights campaigner and co-chairperson of a Bangkok-based Global South research institute, weighed in on major geopolitical developments including the G20...

Upping The Game Ahead Of The G20

Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za 18 November 2025 2-minute read According to a Sunday Times report, Joburg Mayor Dada Morero has diverted billions of Rands from the city’s budget to avert protests ahead of the G20 Summit set to take place in Johannesburg this...