Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, Central Public Health Laboratories

The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, Central Public Health Laboratories in Yaba, Lagos, is a leading medical laboratory and diagnostics centre focused on protecting public health and strengthening Nigeria's capacity to detect, investigate, and respond to infectious diseases. Strategically located along Murtala Muhammed Way in Yaba, this central public health laboratory supports both routine diagnostics and emergency response, serving government agencies, healthcare providers, and the wider public across Lagos and beyond.

As a reference laboratory of national importance, the Central Public Health Laboratories plays a key role in disease surveillance, pandemic preparedness, and outbreak investigation. During major public health events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, this Yaba laboratory has functioned as a critical hub for sample testing, confirmation, and quality control, working closely with other Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) units, hospitals, and partner laboratories.

The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, Central Public Health Laboratories serves a wide spectrum of users: from clinicians who rely on accurate test results to guide patient care, to students and interns seeking hands-on experience in medical diagnostics, to institutions needing reliable reference testing. With a focus on public health, biosafety, and laboratory quality, the facility maintains systems and infrastructure that support both present and emerging health challenges in Lagos and across Nigeria.

Services & Specialties

As a specialised laboratory and diagnostics facility in Yaba, the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, Central Public Health Laboratories offers a range of public health laboratory services that support disease control and prevention. These include reference diagnostics for infectious diseases, confirmatory testing for suspected outbreaks, and specialised testing that helps monitor emerging and re-emerging infections. The laboratory functions as a central point for high-priority tests that require strict quality standards and expert interpretation.

A key area of focus for the Central Public Health Laboratories has been pandemic and epidemic disease testing, particularly for conditions that require rapid national response. During the COVID-19 era, the facility became known as a reference laboratory for pandemic diseases, supporting COVID-19 testing and related diagnostics aligned with NCDC guidelines. In addition, the laboratory is involved in public health surveillance, offering laboratory-based support for disease monitoring that informs national health policies and interventions.

Beyond direct testing, the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, Central Public Health Laboratories contributes to capacity building, training, and mentoring for laboratory scientists, interns, and public health professionals. Through industrial training placements and hands-on laboratory exposure, students and early-career scientists gain practical experience in diagnostic processes, biosafety practices, and laboratory management. This blend of service delivery and training helps strengthen the broader laboratory and diagnostics ecosystem in Lagos and across Nigeria.

Why Choose Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, Central Public Health Laboratories

• National reference role: Recognised as a central public health laboratory of national importance, offering reference-level diagnostics and supporting Nigeria's disease control efforts.
• Strong focus on infectious diseases: Provides specialised testing for epidemic and pandemic diseases, including serving as a key point for COVID-19 testing and related diagnostics.
• Safety-conscious environment: Equipped with fire alarms, smoke detectors, fire hydrants, and safety systems, contributing to a safer working and visiting environment for staff and users.
• Spacious and organised facility: A spacious, well-laid-out laboratory environment that supports efficient workflows, sample handling, and movement of staff and visitors.
• Positive learning experiences: Serves as a valuable training ground for interns and students, with reviewers highlighting strong learning opportunities and professional exposure.
• Trusted by health professionals: Frequently used by healthcare practitioners and institutions as a reference point for critical diagnostic testing and confirmation.

Location & Accessibility

The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, Central Public Health Laboratories is located at 67 Murtala Muhammed Way, Yaba, Lagos 101245, Lagos, placing it in one of Lagos State's most accessible and well-known districts. Yaba is a major hub for education, healthcare, and technology, which makes the laboratory conveniently positioned for hospitals, clinics, universities, and public health agencies that rely on timely diagnostic services. The facility sits along a prominent roadway, making it reachable via multiple transport options within Lagos, and its position in Yaba means it is easy to integrate visits to the laboratory with other health, academic, or administrative appointments in the area.

Get in Touch

For diagnostic enquiries, reference testing, training opportunities, or public health collaboration, potential users and partners are encouraged to visit the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, Central Public Health Laboratories in Yaba, Lagos. Whether you are a healthcare provider, student, researcher, or institution, reaching out directly to the laboratory allows you to confirm available services, testing protocols, and any current public health testing priorities.