The Federal Government of Nigeria has revealed plans to establish 435 clinical research centres across the country by 2028, with a target of generating $3.8 billion in revenue through clinical trials.
The National Coordinator of the Presidential Unlocking Healthcare Value Chain Initiative, Abdu Muktar, shared this during a panel discussion at the Nigeria Economic Summit, emphasising the importance of clinical trials in determining the efficacy and safety of medical treatments.
The establishment of these centres is projected to cost around $770 million, with the government already identifying suitable locations and engaging with Contract Research Organisations to ensure the centres’ utilisation once operational.
Muktar highlighted that for every dollar invested, the country could potentially earn $5, making this initiative a significant economic opportunity.
He noted progress in genomic research in Nigeria, citing the recent launch of an international genomic centre in Ede, Osun State.
The centre is expected to position Nigeria as a global hub for genomics, drawing on the expertise of global leaders like Kristen Happi and Francis Collins.
To support the healthcare sector, the government is also developing a platform for pooled procurement of healthcare products, aimed at reducing costs and improving access to essential medicines.
This initiative will bring together stakeholders from federal and state governments, manufacturers, and health insurance agencies under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
During the session, Funke Falade, a consultant with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, pointed out that clinical trial activities in Nigeria and Africa are expected to rise due to increased international focus on African representation in research.
However, she stressed that the success of these efforts, especially in drug discovery, will depend on domestic financing for preclinical research, as funding sources often shape research priorities.
Â
Â
Â
