Nigeria’s Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, have commissioned Zipline’s new distribution center in Yenagoa. The facility will boost access to life-saving medical supplies, especially in remote areas.
Why it matters
The center strengthens Bayelsa’s healthcare infrastructure amid global aid funding disruptions. Zipline’s expansion ensures reliable medical supply chains and emergency response capabilities across the state.
The details
- The hub supports rapid, on-demand medical deliveries via Zipline’s autonomous drones, which can travel 200 km roundtrip in all weather conditions.
- Since 2023, Zipline has delivered over 1M vaccine doses and 71,000 units of essential medicines in Bayelsa.
- Operations now cover 73 of the state’s 83 wards, reducing stockouts and expanding healthcare access.
What they’re saying
- Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Minister of Health: “These developments reflect our shared commitment to providing quality healthcare services to Nigerians, regardless of location.”
- Governor Douye Diri: “Zipline’s drone technology is a tailor-made solution for overcoming the logistical challenges of our riverine terrain.”
- Akin Oyediran, Zipline Nigeria: “We’re committed to integrating our technology to strengthen health systems nationwide.”
The big picture
Zipline now operates 13 distribution centers across Africa, creating 400+ direct jobs and bolstering rural economies.
Beyond healthcare, its logistics technology could expand into agriculture and e-commerce to enhance supply chains and drive economic growth.
