Nationwide digital vaccine logistics transformation with OpenLMIS in Nigeria

For years, Nigeria’s immunisation supply chain relied on manual processes and fragmented data systems. With the growing demands of national immunisation programs and the urgency of efficient vaccine distribution, the limitations of paper-based tracking and error-prone reporting became increasingly apparent.

In response, Nigeria launched a national initiative to digitise its vaccine logistics system using OpenLMIS. What began as a pilot during the COVID-19 pandemic has since evolved into a nationwide digital transformation, setting a new standard for supply chain management in the region.

The challenge: Slow, manual processes and low visibility

Before OpenLMIS, Nigeria’s immunisation supply chain faced significant obstacles:

• Data reporting was slow and manual, often conducted weekly or monthly via Open Data Kit (ODK).
• Inaccuracies and delays plagued decision-making, with duplicated entries and limited access to real-time data.
• Reports were stored across shared Google Drives, making data access inconsistent and uncoordinated.
• Frequent stock imbalances made it difficult to address urgent needs quickly and effectively.

These challenges undermined accountability and responsiveness – the pillars of an effective vaccine distribution system.

The transformation: Digitising vaccine logistics with OpenLMIS

The implementation of NG-OpenLMIS, led by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and supported by the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), marked a pivotal shift.

In 2021, a pilot COVID-19 vaccine module was deployed across selected cold stores. By 2023, the system had been scaled nationwide – across all 835 cold stores – supporting four critical immunisation programs:

• Routine Immunisation (RI)
• Supplementary Immunisation Activities (SIAs)
• Non-Polio SIA
• Health Commodities

Daily WhatsApp operational rooms were established across all 37 states, functioning as real-time help desks for support and communication. This decentralized model has ensured quick resolution of issues and continuous user engagement.

The Impact: Efficiency, accountability, and smarter decisions

NG-OpenLMIS has become Nigeria’s central platform for managing vaccine logistics. Cold Chain Officers now record transactions in real time, enabling:

• Immediate insights into stock levels, batch information, and expiry dates
• Enforcement of logistics principles like First to Expire, First Out (FEFO)
• Improved forecasting and procurement decisions using data on stock balances and distribution

Accountability has been strengthened at both national and state levels. Weekly meetings of the National Logistics Working Group and monthly reviews by State Logistics Working Groups rely on NG-OpenLMIS data to guide evidence-based decisions.

Reducing vaccine wastage

OpenLMIS’s real-time stock visibility tools – such as the color-coded dashboard that show stock levels (green for sufficient, yellow for re-order, red for understocked, and blue for overstocked) – have enabled proactive redistribution of near-expiry vaccines. 

Figure 1: NG-OpenLMIS Critical Stock Point Dashboard; Explaining A State Stock Level.

In 2024 alone, coordinated action helped Nigeria avoid the expiry of:

• BCG: 118,080 doses
• bOPV: 490,440 doses
• IPV: 82,000 doses
• Yellow Fever (YF): 144,300 doses
• HPV: 27,000 doses (2025)

This has significantly reduced wastage and improved the responsiveness of the immunisation supply chain.

Driving adoption and improving data quality

Adoption of NG-OpenLMIS has grown steadily:

• System utilisation rose from 65% in 2023 to 80–90% in 2024–2025

Figure 2 : System utilization as of 28th of April, 2025 before close of business

• A national performance score of 89% was achieved by the end of 2024, driven by a strong focus on data quality and accountability

Weekly reports are evaluated using a five-metric scorecard assessing data completeness, accuracy, and timeliness, fueling ongoing improvements.

Client feedback: Adapting OpenLMIS to Nigeria’s needs

Usability and learning

Training and documentation were frequently mentioned as key enablers of successful onboarding. According to the Nigerian implementation team , the availability of Confluence pages, demo videos, and other support materials helped create:

• Custom training modules
• Localized user stories
• Country-specific guides

This foundational knowledge facilitated a smoother adaptation of OpenLMIS to local workflows and user needs.

While satisfaction with the system is generally strong – estimated between 70–80% – users highlighted opportunities for improvement in usability. Common feedback included the desire for:

• Multi-date batch processing
• Better mobile support
• More intuitive user interfaces

The OpenLMIS core team has gathered these suggestions and will work on possible improvements to the system.

Technical resilience and integration

The scale-up of NG-OpenLMIS across Nigeria was accompanied by positive feedback on system stability and responsiveness. Key technical improvements, driven by user experience and performance monitoring, included:

• Upgraded AWS server specifications
• Rapid bug resolution during program expansion
• Reliable system uptime despite a growing user base

Users frequently rely on the Stock Management Module, which now handles thousands of transactions weekly. Looking ahead, the team expressed enthusiasm for deeper integration with DHIS2 through the Last Mile Visibility Project, leveraging OpenLMIS’s flexible API and modular architecture.

A model for digital transformation in health

Feedback from Nigerian health officials emphasizes the transformational role OpenLMIS has played. Asked if they would recommend OpenLMIS, their answer is straightforward:

Contact us if you have any questions or request a demo to start your own OpenLMIS journey.

The OpenLMIS implementation in Nigeria is supported by: