The National Health Research Ethics Committee (NHREC), supported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has launched a new electronic platform aimed at streamlining health research processes in Nigeria.
At the inauguration event held on Friday in Lagos, Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, emphasized that the platform represents a significant advancement in health research governance and is a critical step toward building a healthier and more resilient future for all Nigerians.
Dr. Alausa described the NHREC electronic platform as more than just a technological tool; it embodies a commitment to integrity and accountability in health research. He noted, “In a country as diverse and dynamic as Nigeria, health research plays a vital role in understanding and addressing our unique health challenges. It informs policies, enhances clinical practices, and provides the essential data needed to foster innovation in healthcare delivery.”
The platform is designed to offer a centralized and efficient system for the ethical review and approval of research proposals, ensuring that all health research in Nigeria meets global standards while safeguarding the rights, dignity, and safety of participants. Dr. Alausa stated, “This platform will enhance transparency, reduce delays, and eliminate redundancies, making our health research landscape more robust and competitive on the global stage.”
He commended the U.S. CDC for its steadfast support in realizing this vision, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in strengthening Nigeria’s health systems. “The expertise and resources provided by the U.S. CDC have been instrumental in creating this transformative platform, enabling Nigeria to uphold the highest standards in health research ethics,” he said.
Dr. Alausa emphasized that the success of the platform hinges on the continued cooperation of all stakeholders, including researchers, institutions, regulators, and international partners.
Adeola Adeyeye, Associate Director of Science at the U.S. CDC, praised the federal ministry of health for its responsiveness in facilitating document access, which expedited the development process. She noted that the NHREC platform was completed in just six weeks, showcasing the strength of the collaboration among development partners, government bodies, and their various agencies.
The U.S. CDC office in Nigeria has been active since 2001, focusing on promoting public health excellence for Nigerians. Prof. Akin Abayomi, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, stated that the new e-portal would expedite the submission of research protocols for ethics committee approval, thereby improving the ease of conducting medical research in the country. He added that the platform would enhance Nigeria’s global competitiveness, foster innovation and technological development, and contribute to the bioeconomy, job creation, and GDP growth.
Oliver Ezechi, a committee member of NHREC, reflected on the previous manual submission process, which raised concerns about intellectual property security. He expressed relief that researchers now have a secure electronic platform for submitting, verifying, and approving their research proposals.
Developed in collaboration with Public Health Information, Surveillance Solutions, and Systems (PHIS3), the NHREC electronic portal aims to enforce standards and protocols for conducting ethical clinical research in Nigeria. Established in 2014, the NHREC is committed to positioning Nigeria as a hub for medical and clinical research in West Africa, with the backing of President Bola Tinubu and the federal ministry of health and social welfare.
