Meet the executives driving Nigeria’s over $600 million clinical laboratory boom

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Nigeria’s diagnostic landscape is undergoing a quiet transformation.

Not long ago, accessing reliable tests outside a handful of major teaching hospitals meant long domestic travel or costly trips abroad for advanced scans, for those who could afford them.

Infrastructure was a major constraint.

Much of the available equipment was outdated, poorly maintained, or frequently out of service. Advanced imaging technology was scarce, and where it existed, demand often overwhelmed supply.

That picture is changing, according to a report by Mordor Intelligence, the Nigerian clinical laboratory services market is projected to grow from about $641 million in 2025 to $670.8 million dollars in 2026, and is forecast to reach $841.92 million by 2031, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 4.65% between 2026 and 2031.

That expansion did not happen on its own. Behind the sector’s steady growth are a group of chief executives and founders who have quietly redefined what diagnostic care looks like in Nigeria.

Here are the CEO’s of Nigeria’s major diagnostic centres 

Dr. Prosper Okonkwo- CEO APIN Medical Laboratory & Diagnostics Company Ltd 

Dr. Prosper Okonkwo is the Chief Executive Officer of APIN Public Health Initiatives and has led the organisation since 2007, overseeing its evolution from a public health intervention body into a player in Nigeria’s diagnostic services space.

APIN established APIN Medical Laboratory and Diagnostics after two decades of implementing laboratory and health system strengthening programmes across the country.

He holds a medical degree from the University of Ibadan in 1982 and became a member of the West African College of Physicians in 1997.

His career has included serving as a Consultant Public Health Physician at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital and advisory roles with the United Nations Population Fund.

Alongside his executive role, Dr. Okonkwo remains active in academia as an Associate Professor at Bingham University and serves on professional boards, contributing to policy, training and sector development.

The diagnostic company provides both imaging and laboratory services, covering radiology, clinical chemistry, haematology, oncology, microbiology and genetic testing. It is equipped with advanced technology, including a 128-slice CT scan, echocardiography systems, 12-channel ECG, 5D and 4D ultrasound, and mammography.

Dr. Olusola Akinniyi- MD/CEO, Union Diagnostic and Clinical Services

Dr. Olusola Akinniyi is a Consultant Gynaecologist with more than 25 years of medical experience. He has led Union Diagnostic and Clinical Services as MD/CEO since 2016.

Akinniyi won the prize for overall best candidate in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in West Africa in the West Africa College of Surgeons examinations in 2006. He was also part of a four-person research team that won the International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics prize for best clinical research from a developing country in 2005.

He is a member of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine and a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management.

Union Diagnostic and Clinical Services centres provide pathology services including microbiology, chemical pathology, haematology, parasitology, virology, mycology, immunoassay, molecular lab and DNA testing, cytology, and histology. Imaging and radiology services include ultrasound, X-ray, mammography, CT scan, and MRI, while physiology services cover ECG, EEG, audiometry, and spirometry.

They also offer endoscopic procedures such as gastroscopy, colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, proctoscopy, bronchoscopy, laparoscopy, dye tests, and cystoscopy.

The company has multiple locations across Nigeria, including Lagos (Tejuosho, Victoria Island, Ikeja, Ikorodu, Ajegunle, Ikotun, Agege), Ibadan, Makurdi, Minna, Akure, Abeokuta, Osogbo, Benin, Port Harcourt, Jos, Ilorin, and Kano.

Dr. Alok Bhatia- CEO, ECHOLAB Radiology and Laboratory Services

Dr. Alok Bhatia has led ECHOLAB Radiology and Laboratory Services as Chief Executive Officer since March 2021.

A Pediatrician turned healthcare executive, he has extensive experience in diagnostics, primary healthcare, hospital management, and quality assurance in clinical services.

He is a graduate of Amritsar Medical College and an alumnus of Lady Hardinge Medical College. He also holds a certificate of achievement in Fundamentals of Genetics and Immunology from Harvard Medical School HMX.

Prior to joining ECHOLAB, Dr. Bhatia founded and led multiple healthcare ventures, including 360 Diagnostic & Health Services, Afriglobal Medicare, and Neo DStress Institute, focusing on diagnostics, hospital infrastructure, training, and strategic expansion.

ECHOLAB provides comprehensive diagnostic services, including radiology, pathology, histology, and cardiology. Radiology services cover X-ray, CT scan, ultrasound, Doppler ultrasound, and intravenous urography.

Cardiology services include ECG and related physiology tests. Pathology and laboratory services include microbiology, chemical pathology, haematology, immunoassays, molecular testing, cytology, and histology.
The network operates multiple locations across Lagos, Abuja, Mararaba, Kaduna, Benin, Asaba and Oghara.

Dukor Ndidi- CEO MeCure Healthcare Limited

Dukor Anderline Ndidi is a pharmaceutical professional with over 25 years of experience. She has led MeCure Healthcare Limited as Chief Executive Officer since June 2022.

Anderline began her career at MeCure in 2006 as a Superintendent Pharmacist and Regulatory Affairs Manager. She later served as Director of Pharmaceutical Operations from March 2013 to March 2023, playing a key role in streamlining processes and enhancing the company’s pharmaceutical services.

Before joining MeCure, she worked at Renaissance Pharmaceuticals Limited as a Superintendent Pharmacist and Regulatory Affairs Officer from 1998 to 2006, and started her career at St. Nicholas Pharmacy as Pharmacist on Duty from 1996 to 1997.

She holds a Master of Science in Clinical Pharmacy from the University of Lagos and a Master of Public Health from Lagos State University College of Medicine.

MeCure Healthcare Limited, established in 1990, is the largest pharmaceutical company listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group by market capitalization.

The company provides comprehensive medical services, including medical imaging such as MRI, CT scan, X-ray, and ultrasound, and pathology services covering biochemistry, haematology, histopathology, clinical pathology, microbiology, serology, and DNA testing.

It also offers cardiac care, including ECG, echocardiography, and stress tests, dental services from orthodontics and endodontics to cosmetic dentistry, and specialized eye care with cataract, glaucoma, retina, and LASIK procedures.

The company operates multiple locations across Nigeria, including Lagos (Apapa, Lekki, Mushin, Ajah) and Ibadan.

Kenneth Okolie – CEO SYNLAB 

Kenneth Okolie is the Chief Executive Officer of SYNLAB Nigeria and has led the company since 2021, following his tenure as Chief Operating Officer and Corporate Operations Manager.

Okolie holds an Executive Business Management certificate from INSEAD, an Executive MBA from Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University, and a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science from Nnamdi Azikiwe University.

He also completed a Basic Certificate Course in Leadership Development at DayStar Leadership Academy.

His career spans business process design, healthcare management, strategy development, quality management, and change management, making him a recognized leader in healthcare operations and diagnostics.

SYNLAB Nigeria provides a wide range of diagnostic and medical laboratory services in oncology, cytopathology, histopathology, and genetic testing. They also offer comprehensive health services like general health checks, sexual health screening, women’s and men’s health services, and doctor consultations.

The company has multiple locations across Nigeria, including Lagos (Ago Palace Way, Ikeja, Ikoyi, Lekki, Surulere, Victoria Island, Festac, Ogudu), Abuja (Asokoro, Gwarinpa, Gwagwalada, Kubwa, Wuse II), Ibadan, Abeokuta, Sagamu, Ilorin, Ife, Benin, Port Harcourt, Owerri, Warri, Enugu, Ebonyi, Benue, and Delta State (Oghara).

Dr. Uche Ejiofor- Chief Medical Director Clinix Healthcare

Dr. Uche Ejiofor is the Chief Medical Director of Clinix Healthcare and Greenlife Hospitals, leading the organisation since 2013.

He has over 20 years of experience in medical and diagnostic services, with a career spanning clinical practice, hospital administration, and board governance. He also serves on the Board of Directors at Clearline HMO, contributing to strategic oversight and operational management in the healthcare sector.

Dr. Ejiofor holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Microbiology and Bacteriology from Nnamdi Azikiwe University. He has pursued advanced studies in healthcare and business management, including an Executive MBA from Rome Business School, postgraduate studies in Business Administration from the University of Roehampton, and leadership and management diplomas from Pan-Atlantic University and the University of Lagos.

Clinix Healthcare is Lagos’ leading diagnostic centre, providing a comprehensive range of services including radiology, cardiology, neurology, pathology, endoscopy, renal dialysis, and day care surgeries. The centres are equipped with modern diagnostic facilities of international standards, ensuring accurate results, timely service, and affordable rates. With over 12 centres across Africa, Clinix Healthcare has established itself as a trusted provider of advanced diagnostic and remedial healthcare solutions.

Mr. Tani Fafunwa – CEO Afriglobal Medicare Limited

Mr. Tani Fafunwa is the Chief Executive Officer of Afriglobal Medicare Limited, one of Nigeria’s top diagnostic and laboratory centres.

With a career spanning more than three decades in the healthcare sector, Fafunwa has held executive roles at MeCure Healthcare Limited as Chief Medical Director and at Ranbaxy Lab Ltd as General Manager of Marketing. His expertise covers strategic business planning, regulatory advisory, profit and loss management, and the recruitment and training of senior managers.

Fafunwa holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy in Pharmacology from Punjab University and completed advanced executive programmes, including the Chief Executive Programme and a Master’s in Strategic Management at Lagos Business School.

Afriglobal Medicare provides comprehensive diagnostic services, offering advanced pathology, clinical biochemistry, molecular biology, histopathology, medical microbiology, cytology, endocrinology, immunology, and hematology. The centre also delivers radiology services, including MRI, color Doppler, sonography, mammography, digital X-ray, and computed tomography, alongside cardiology services such as spirometry, echocardiogram, and electrocardiogram.

The company operates multiple locations across Lagos.

Dr. Everest Okpara -MD/CEO Everight Diagnostic & Laboratory Services 

Mr. Everest Okpara is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Everight Diagnostic & Laboratory Services.

He has over 17 years of experience in investigative medicine and is widely recognized for his credibility, innovation, and results-driven approach.

He holds an MBA in Business Administration and Management, a B.Sc. in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management from Lagos State University, a certificate in Healthcare Management from Lagos Business School, and a certificate in Biostatistics and Epidemiology from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, U.S.A.

Everight Diagnostic & Laboratory Services offers comprehensive medical imaging services including ultrasonography and echocardiography. The company’s ultrasonography services include 5D imaging for pelvic, thyroid, abdominal, prostate, pregnancy, children, breast, transvaginal, ocular, vascular, and heart scans.

The company has multiple locations across Nigeria, including Ojo, Lagos, multiple sites in Abuja, such as Wuse 2 and a 24/7 facility in Kubwa, and Owerri, delivering high-quality diagnostic care with modern, non-invasive medical imaging technologies.

Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu -Founder/CEO Medicaid Radio-Diagnostics

Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu is the founder and Chief Medical Director of Medicaid Radio-Diagnostics & Clinics.

She is a paediatrician and the former First Lady of Kebbi State, Bagudu, holds over 30 years of experience in medical practice and healthcare entrepreneurship, including 18 years in the non-profit sector as a global cancer expert.

Dr. Bagudu earned her Bachelor of Medicine degree from Ahmadu Bello University and specialised in Pediatrics and Neonatology. She also holds a diploma in Tropical Child Health and a Master’s degree in Tropical Pediatrics from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom, and is a member of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), UK.

Her career includes leadership and advisory roles on numerous national and international boards, such as the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), Global Initiative Against HPV and Cervical Cancer (GIAHC), and the WHO’s Global Breast Cancer Initiative Technical Working Group.

Medicaid Radio-Diagnostics & Clinics provides comprehensive diagnostic and healthcare services with a strong emphasis on early detection and treatment of cancer and pediatric conditions.

The company has two locations in Abuja, at Utako and the Wuse 2 branch at 2 Libreville Street.

Dr. Elochukwu Adibo – Founder/CEO EL-LAB Medical Diagnostics and Research Center

Dr. Elochukwu Adibo is the Founder, Managing Director, and Chief Executive Officer of EL-LAB Medical Diagnostics and Research Center.

He is a biomedical scientist and laboratory director and has led the organisation since 1998. With over 27 years of experience in laboratory science and medical diagnostics, Dr. Adibo has played a central role in advancing quality testing and screening services.

He holds a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Industrial and Environmental Microbiology and Biomedical Science, with a specialty in Histopathology and Cytopathology, and has professional affiliations in biomedical laboratory science.

His professional background includes serving as Technical Assistant to the Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister of Power on the Coal to Power project.

EL-LAB Medical Diagnostics and Research Center provides a wide range of diagnostic and screening laboratory tests, offering services designed to promote early detection and healthier living. Patients can access digital X-ray, mammography, 2D and 4D ultrasound, ECG, ECHO, EEG, and other imaging and laboratory investigations.

The centre operates multiple locations in Lagos, including Festac, Surulere, and Ikoyi, delivering accessible diagnostic services to patients across the city.