By Abujah Racheal
Abuja, May 10, 2026 (NAN) Dr Simeon Agwale, Renowned virologist and CEO of Innovative Biotech,
says the Federal Government’s newly approved 500 million dollars annual National Research and Innovation Development Fund (NRIDF) could significantly boost Nigeria’s vaccine production capacity and strengthen national health security.
Agwale, who is Vice-Chair of the Africa Vaccine Manufacturing Initiative, said this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), on Sunday in Abuja.
NAN reports that the fund, approved by the Federal Executive Council and announced by the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, is designed to drive Nigeria’s transition into a globally competitive, innovation-led economy.
According to the minister, the initiative will address longstanding fragmentation in Nigeria’s research ecosystem by creating stronger linkages between universities, research institutes, industry, and government.
Reacting to the development, the leading Nigerian vaccine researcher, described the fund as a “visionary and timely intervention” with the potential to transform Nigeria into a hub for vaccine development and biotechnology.
He said sustained investment in research and innovation was critical to building local capacity for vaccine production.
“No nation can truly develop without deliberate investment in science, research, and innovation. This initiative presents one of the greatest opportunities Nigeria has had to reposition itself as a knowledge-driven and innovation-led economy,” he said.
He noted that Nigeria has long had strong scientific talent but limited access to structured funding needed to translate research into viable products, including vaccines.
According to him, the establishment of the NRIDF could accelerate domestic vaccine production, reduce dependence on imports, and enhance preparedness for future disease outbreaks.
He also linked the initiative to broader continental efforts to expand local manufacturing capacity, supported by institutions such as the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
He said strengthening in-country production would help Nigeria avoid supply disruptions experienced during global health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, the expert emphasised that the success of the fund would depend on transparency, merit-based allocation, and strong governance structures.
He called for the establishment of an independent review panel made up of scientists, industry experts, and innovation leaders to ensure that funding is awarded through a competitive and credible process.
“This will ensure that only high-impact and nationally relevant projects receive support, while also building confidence in the integrity of the programme,” he said.
He said that Nigeria’s reliance on imported vaccines has historically exposed the country to delays and inequitable access, especially during global crises.
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He added that beyond vaccines, the fund could drive innovation in pharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence, and disease surveillance, while also helping to reverse brain drain by creating opportunities for local researchers.
If effectively implemented, he said the NRIDF could mark a major turning point in Nigeria’s efforts to achieve self-reliance in healthcare and scientific advancement.
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