By Fatima Saka
The Federal Government has officially launched the National Health Research Ethics Committee (NHREC) Electronic Protocol Submission Platform (NHREC E-PORTAL), marking a significant leap forward in the digital transformation of health research governance in Nigeria.
The Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, announced the full rollout of the platform today, July 1, 2025. The NHREC E-PORTAL is designed to enhance the submission, review, monitoring, and approval of health research protocols through a secure, user-friendly interface.
“This is a critical step in strengthening ethical oversight and promoting excellence in health research across Nigeria,” Dr. Salako stated. “By replacing the old manual and email-based system, the NHREC E-PORTAL brings greater transparency, efficiency, and accountability to our health research environment—fully aligned with global best practices.”
The platform was initially unveiled on October 4, 2024, and has since undergone further development, pilot testing, and stakeholder engagement. Its deployment represents a key achievement under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s commitment to digital innovation and regulatory reform in the health sector.
Chairman of the NHREC, Prof. Richard A. Adegbola, FAS, expressed appreciation to the Ministry, technical partners, and donors for their support. He emphasized the importance of the platform in streamlining interactions between researchers, ethics committees, and institutions nationwide.
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“We invite all stakeholders—researchers, institutions, ethics committee members, sponsors, and collaborators—to begin using the NHREC E-PORTAL from today,” Prof. Adegbola said. “Support materials, technical guidance, and user manuals have been provided to ensure a smooth transition.”
The Federal Ministry of Health reaffirmed that the launch is part of broader sectoral reforms under the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, aimed at leveraging technology for improved service delivery, enhanced research governance, and sustainable health system development.
