NIMR Unveils 400,000-Sample Biobank to Boost Nigeria-Focused Disease Research

The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research has said its biobank, which contains over 400,000 biological samples, could significantly advance research into diseases prevalent in Nigeria.

Director-General of the institute, Prof. John Obafunwa, disclosed this during a meeting with a visiting Chinese scientific delegation on March 28, in Lagos 

He said the biobank, built over years through research and collaborations, provides a valuable resource for generating data tailored to Nigeria’s health challenges.

“If properly optimised, the biobank can help us better understand disease patterns and treatment outcomes within our environment,” he said.

Obafunwa explained that the institute is shifting focus towards data-driven research that supports public health decisions and innovation.

He, however, noted that the full potential of the facility is yet to be realised due to gaps in technical capacity, data management systems, and advanced analytics.

“This is an area where collaboration will be extremely beneficial,” he added.

The NIMR boss also highlighted the institute’s role during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it contributed to testing and national response efforts.

He pointed to ongoing work in diagnostic kit development and clinical trials, backed by an Institutional Review Board that ensures ethical compliance.

Despite these strides, Obafunwa identified infrastructure challenges, including the lack of a centralised research complex and delays in funding for laboratory expansion.

He also emphasised the need to build local expertise in areas such as human genome sequencing, noting that reliance on foreign facilities remains a limitation.

“We want collaborations that will help us build systems, develop our people, and generate solutions relevant to our population,” he said.

The meeting ended with both NIMR researchers and the visiting Chinese scientists exploring opportunities for joint research and long-term collaboration.