*Health Minister Pate: Laboratory Science Critical to Nigeria’s Environmental Protection, Sustainable Development*

*LOKOJA, Kogi State* — The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, has described reliable laboratory analysis as “the backbone of evidence-based decision making” for environmental protection, water resource management, and solid mineral exploration in Nigeria.

Prof. Pate made the remarks on Tuesday in Lokoja through the Minister of State for Health and social welfare Dr.Iziaq Salako while declaring open the 9th Conference of Public Analysts, COPA ’26, and the Annual General Meeting of the Society of Testing Laboratory Analysts of Nigeria, STLAN. The conference, tagged “The Confluence Conference,” has as its theme: _Environmental Protection, Water Resource Management and Solid Mineral Exploration in Nigeria: The Role of Public Analysts in Sustainable Development._

The Minister, who was represented by the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja, Prof. Abdulrahaman Shehu Ozovehe, said the Federal Government recognizes that strong laboratory systems are critical to achieving Universal Health Coverage, improving disease surveillance, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

“From monitoring water quality and assessing environmental pollution to ensuring the safety of pharmaceuticals, food, and industrial products, public analysts serve as the backbone of evidence-based decision making,” Prof. Pate said.

He commended STLAN for its commitment to strengthening the analytical laboratory sector, noting that the work of public analysts not only protects citizens but also enhances Nigeria’s credibility in international trade.

According to him, the conference theme is “timely and relevant” as it reflects the growing recognition that environmental health is directly linked to human health and national prosperity.

Prof. Pate reiterated the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s commitment to supporting policies, infrastructure, and professional capacity that will ensure Nigerian laboratories meet global standards in analytical practice and public health protection.

He stressed the need for inter-sectoral collaboration, stating that environmental protection, water resource management, and solid mineral exploration require coordinated efforts among regulators, researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.

“Public analysts must continue to work closely with all stakeholders to achieve sustainable outcomes,” he said.

The Minister urged participants to focus on practical solutions to current challenges in the laboratory sector, including capacity building, infrastructure development, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.

He assured that the Federal Government values the contributions of public analysts and will continue to create an enabling environment for the profession to thrive.

“I urge you all to take full advantage of this conference to share knowledge, build partnerships, and develop innovative strategies that will advance both your profession and our national health goals,” Prof. Pate added.

COPA ’26 brings together public analysts, researchers, regulators, and industry players from across the country to deliberate on strengthening laboratory practice for sustainable development.

Hasan Abubakar-Editor