By Mobolaji Adejobi
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening ethical health research in Nigeria, describing the National Health Research Ethics Committee (NHREC) as a cornerstone for credibility, public trust, and scientific integrity in the country’s research ecosystem.
Dr. Salako gave this assurance on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, while delivering his remarks at the 2026 Face-to-Face Meeting and Training Workshop of the National Health Research Ethics Committee (NHREC) held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
Addressing participants after observing formal protocols, the Minister said it was a pleasure to participate in the meeting and commended NHREC for convening early in the year to develop a clear work plan and chart a strategic path for greater impact in Nigeria’s health research landscape.
He noted that research ethics in Nigeria, as in many African countries, did not receive adequate attention until the establishment of NHREC in 2005, and its formal empowerment nine years later through the National Health Act of 2014. According to him, the Act mandates NHREC to oversee ethical approvals, issue guidelines for ethical conduct—particularly for research involving human subjects—and monitor health research to protect the rights, safety, and wellbeing of participants.
Dr. Salako praised the performance of the current NHREC, inaugurated on 23 January 2024 under the chairmanship of Professor Richard Adegbola, describing the 2026 meeting as a fitting activity marking the committee’s second anniversary.
“Since the inauguration of the new NHREC, I am happy to observe that the committee has been working very hard to raise the bar for ethical health research by ensuring timely review and approval of research proposals,” he said.
On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Minister expressed appreciation to the chairman and members of NHREC for their dedication and expertise, noting that their efforts over the past two years have brought progress, order, and credibility to Nigeria’s health research environment.
Dr. Salako also acknowledged the critical role of development partners, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US-CDC), World Health Organization/African Vaccine Regulatory Forum (AVAREF), the Multi-Regional Clinical Trials (MRCT) Center, and GARNET partners, for their support in strengthening NHREC’s functions and aligning Nigeria’s research ecosystem with international standards.
He highlighted the Trial Regulation and Clinical Ethics Optimization (TRACE) Project as a key initiative aimed at improving the integrity, safety, and rigour of clinical trials in Nigeria and other participating countries, assuring participants that the Ministry would build on the project to ensure sustainability.
The Minister emphasized the need for domestic ownership of Nigeria’s research agenda, stressing that government has a responsibility to create a conducive and ethical environment for research. He pledged continued priority attention and support for NHREC to enable it to fully deliver on its mandate.
Dr. Salako further commended NHREC for digitally enabling its ethics review process through the revamping of its website and the introduction of an e-portal, describing it as a major milestone that will enhance efficiency, cost-effectiveness, data management, stakeholder engagement, and performance tracking.
He urged researchers, institutions, sub-national health research committees, and international partners to fully utilize the e-portal to improve research integrity, safeguard participants’ rights, and guarantee their welfare.
Reiterating the broader policy direction of the current administration, the Minister stated that the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, remains committed to encouraging and funding local research in areas such as drug development, vaccines, and disease epidemiology. He stressed that these efforts can only yield optimal benefits within a framework of ethical research conduct that protects participants, ensures data integrity, builds public trust, and upholds scientific credibility.
Dr. Salako called on NHREC members to redouble their efforts in accelerating Nigeria’s transition to a fully ethically compliant health research environment, in line with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He concluded by formally declaring the 2026 NHREC Face-to-Face Meeting and Training Workshop open, expressing hope that its outcomes would translate into improved health research governance for the benefit of Nigerians.
“And so, with peace and plenty, Nigeria shall be blessed,” he said.
