FG pledges stronger ties with research centres to stop disease outbreaks

FG Pledges Stronger Ties with Research Centres to Prevent Disease Outbreaks

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with private and independent health research institutions to tackle existing diseases and prevent future outbreaks in Nigeria.

Dr. Jide Idris, Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), made the remarks during a high-level technical visit to the Kano Independent Research Centre Trust (KIRCT) in Kano on Wednesday.

He stated that the NCDC would deepen collaboration with KIRCT and other private health research institutions to enhance Nigeria’s health security.

“We are also pushing for more collaborations with various state governments to support them in detecting and controlling factors that could lead to disease outbreaks,” he said.

Idris added that the NCDC intends to fast-track this plan by leveraging local expertise.

“Our collaboration plans need to be expedited because we have many scientists across the country. We need to bring them together and encourage them to undertake work previously done by experts outside Nigeria. It is time to build our local capacity and showcase our capabilities,” he emphasized.

He praised KIRCT for its cutting-edge research facilities and skilled personnel, describing the centre as “an organized institution with dedicated staff.”

“We will work together by exchanging materials, conducting joint training, linking on public health decisions, and exploring ways to support one another,” he added.

Also speaking, Professor Hamisu Salisu, Director-General of KIRCT, expressed gratitude to the NCDC team for their visit.

“He has come, seen what we have, and I am very excited that he has a positive impression of our work,” Prof. Salisu said.

He noted that while KIRCT already collaborates with the Kano State public health system, increased cooperation with the NCDC is necessary, particularly regarding the handling of biospecimens.

“As a private entity, we collaborate with the government and other stakeholders. However, for sensitive areas—especially deadly infections—we must have approval from the NCDC, as it is the lead agency for health security in Nigeria,” he explained.