As a critical resource and move for advancing disease research tailored to Nigeria’s health needs, the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yabga, Lagos, has unveiled its Biobank, which houses over 400,000 biological samples.

The Director-General of the institute, Prof John Oladapo Obafunwa, a Professor of Forensic Pathology/ Consultant Pathologist, disclosed this during a meeting with the Chinese Scientific delegation on a visit to the institute, where he outlined ongoing efforts to reposition NIMR as a hub for data-driven and locally relevant research.

According to him, the Biobank, developed over time through research activities and institutional collaborations offers a unique opportunity to deepen understanding of diseases prevalent in Nigeria.

He said: “If properly managed and fully optimised, the biobank can provide data that is specific to our environment and help us better understand disease patterns and treatment outcomes.”

Obafunwa, who explained that beyond developing therapies, NIMR is increasingly focused on generating highquality data that could inform public health decisions and scientific innovation, further noted that while the biobank is already functional, there is a need for technical support, improved data systems, and enhanced analytical capacity to maximise its value,” he added.