The Federal Government has announced plans to roll out a groundbreaking electronic portal for health research proposal submission and approval before the end of 2025-a move set to transform Nigeria’s research landscape and align the country with international best practices.
Speaking at a two-day workshop in Abuja, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako (represented by Dr. Kamil Shotirere), explained that the new e-portal will streamline the process for submitting, reviewing, and approving health research proposals. The system aims to eliminate bureaucratic delays, enhance transparency, and allow researchers to track their applications in real time, significantly improving efficiency and accountability.
Members of the National Health Research Ethics Committee (NHREC) are being trained to use the platform, which will ensure that all research involving human participants adheres to strict ethical guidelines.
Funded in part by the Gates Foundation and developed with technical support from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the e-portal is expected to help Nigeria attract more international research collaborations and accelerate studies on national health priorities such as infectious diseases, maternal health, and non-communicable diseases.
The government has set a target for the portal to be fully operational before the end of the third quarter of 2025, with pilot submissions starting earlier. Stakeholders believe this digital leap will not only boost Nigeria’s competitiveness in global health research but also ensure that ethical principles remain central to scientific innovation in the country.
