FG says nation’s ecosystem gaining global attention

…Calls for collective action to strengthen global reputation

…Reaffirms commitment to ethical standards in health research, pledges support for NHRC

 

AKOR SYLVESTER, Abuja and CHIDIMMA UCHEGBU, Abuja

 

 The Federal Government says the country’s innovation ecosystem is gaining global attention and boosting its reputation.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, said this at the Nigeria Reputation Summit 2026 in Abuja on Tuesday.

The Summit with the theme, “Better Nigeria, Better Reputation”, was organised by the Nigerian Reputation Management Group (NRMG), an initiative of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).

According to Idris, the theme aligns directly with the findings of the Reputation Perception Index report.

“The results may be sobering, but they are also useful. A reputation score of 35.2 per cent places Nigeria in a low-trust band and highlights a gap between our potential and global perception.

“This is not a verdict; it is a mirror. And responsible nations must have the courage to look into that mirror and act.

“It is important to note that much has changed since the data used for this report was first gathered about seven years ago.

“In the last two years, Nigeria has embarked on a new reform path under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

“We are not where we used to be. While perception often lags behind reality, progress is being made, and it must be communicated clearly, consistently, and honestly.

“Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem is also gaining global attention, with strong fintech players and growing confidence in our digital economy and boosting our reputation, ” the minister said.

According to him, reputation is built when policy meets purpose and communication reflects truth.

Idris noted that the government alone could not build Nigeria’s reputation, adding that It requires partnership with professionals, institutions, the private sector, and citizens.

“Lately, Nigeria’s reputation has come under scrutiny due to misleading reports suggesting that we are a nation that is intolerant of religious freedom.

“We continue to ease that wrong perception in effective diplomatic ways, and also collaborate with international partners to improve our internal security, secure our nation from the atrocities of terror groups, and save the lives and property of our citizens.

“Redeeming Nigeria’s image is a national call to duty, involving all of us, requiring a collective denouncing of false narratives, and promoting our unity.

“Together, we must align our narratives with our progress, address our weaknesses honestly, and project Nigeria with confidence and clarity. Thank you for your commitment to this important national task,” Idris said.

He commended the NRMG, Board and the leadership of the NIPR under its President, Dr Ike Neliaku, for their vision, discipline, and persistence.

“I am proud of the NIPR and its partners for staying the course and aligning Nigeria with global best practices in reputation management.

“It is also significant that exactly one year ago, on Jan. 15, 2025, the Board of the NRMG was inaugurated under the leadership of Mr Yomi Badejo-Okunsanya.

“Within a single year, this team has delivered Nigeria’s first comprehensive Reputation Perception Index. That achievement deserves recognition,” Idris said.

He further stressed that the bold reforms initiated by the President in the area of fuel subsidy, education, democracy,  political participation, freedom of the press, local government autonomy and many others have catapulted Nigeria to a higher level in terms of progress, development and reputation.

…Reaffirms commitment to ethical standards in health research, pledges support for NHRC

Meanwhile, the federal government, yesterday reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ethical standards in health research, promising sustained support for the National Health Research Ethics Committee (NHREC) in order to ensure that Nigeria’s research ecosystem meets global best practices.

Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, who stated this on Tuesday in his remarks at the 2026 Face-to-Face Meeting and Training Workshop of the NHREC, in Abuja, said the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare would continue to prioritise ethical oversight, domestic ownership of research agendas and the protection of research participants, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He stated that research ethics in Nigeria began to receive the needed attention with the establishment of NHREC in 2005 and its formal empowerment under the National Health Act of 2014, which mandates the committee to oversee ethical approvals, issue guidelines and monitor health research involving human subjects.

The minister hailed the present NHREC under the chairmanship of Professor Richard Adegbola, stating that the committee has raised the bar in ethical health research through timely reviews and improved oversight since its inauguration in January 2024.

He noted that: “This workshop is a fitting part of the second anniversary of the new NHREC.

The dedication and expertise displayed in the last two years are already bringing progress, order and credibility to Nigeria’s health research landscape”.

The minister further commended the committee for convening early in the year to develop a clear work plan and chart a way forward for greater impact, describing it as evidence of seriousness and commitment to national development.

He acknowledged the role of international and local partners, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, US-CDC, World Health Organisation/African Vaccine Regulatory Forum (AVAREF), the Multi-Regional Clinical Trials (MRCT) Centre and GARNET partners, for supporting efforts to strengthen NHREC’s functions.

The minister highlighted the ongoing Trial Regulation and Clinical Ethics Optimisation (TRACE) project as a key initiative aimed at improving the integrity, safety and rigour of clinical trials in Nigeria, assuring that the government would build on the gains to create a sustainable ethical environment for health research.

He commended NHREC for digitally transforming its ethics review process through the revamp of its website and the introduction of an e-portal, describing it as a major milestone that would enhance efficiency, transparency, data management and stakeholder engagement.

The minister urged researchers, institutions, sub-national ethics committees and international partners to fully utilise the e-portal to improve research integrity and safeguard the rights and welfare of participants.

He reiterated government policy direction, saying the Tinubu administration is committed to encouraging and funding local research in drug development, vaccines and disease epidemiology, while stressing that such efforts can only succeed in an environment of strict ethical compliance.

Salako called on NHREC members to intensify efforts towards achieving a fully ethically compliant health research system in Nigeria, noting that this would help realise the President’s health vision and contribute to global goals on health and wellbeing.

He formally declared the 2026 NHREC Face-to-Face Meeting and Training Workshop open, expressing optimism that Nigeria would continue to make progress through ethical, credible and people-centred health research.