Nigeria is ramping up efforts to ensure its health research meets global ethical standards, with the National Health Research Ethics Committee (NHREC) opening its 2026 in-person workshop in Abuja. The initiative aims to improve oversight, accelerate approvals, and enhance the safety and credibility of studies across the country.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziak Salako, said a robust ethical framework is essential for translating research into real benefits for Nigerians. “Research without proper oversight puts participants at risk and undermines public trust. Ethical compliance is not optional, it is the foundation of credible science”, he said.
Salako traced NHREC’s journey from its 2005 establishment to its legal empowerment under the 2014 National Health Act, which allows the committee to set national guidelines, approve proposals, and monitor research involving human subjects. He commended the current leadership, chaired by Prof. Richard Adegbola, for improving efficiency and ensuring timely review of studies.
He also highlighted NHREC’s digitalisation efforts, including a revamped website and e-portal, which streamline approvals and enhance data management. International partners, including the Gates Foundation, U.S.-CDC, WHO, and the Multi-Regional Clinical Trials Centre, have supported initiatives to improve the integrity and safety of clinical trials.
Salako concluded by reaffirming government backing for local research in vaccines, drugs, and disease monitoring, urging NHREC to continue advancing a fully ethical research ecosystem.
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