New ATBUTH Facility To Enhance Nigeria’s Epidemic Preparedness – NCDC

The Federal Government has commissioned the ATBUTH Clinical Trial Centre, describing the facility as a major milestone in strengthening Nigeria’s clinical research capacity and improving preparedness for future disease outbreaks.

The centre, established under the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI)-funded Lassa Programme through the ARC-WA and ENABLE Bauchi projects, is expected to enhance the country’s ability to conduct ethical, high-quality clinical trials.

According to the government, the project is the product of collaboration between the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), CEPI, the MRC Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), and the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH).

Officials said the new facility will strengthen Nigeria’s clinical research infrastructure by supporting high-quality clinical trials, building the capacity of researchers and healthcare professionals, promoting scientific collaboration, and generating evidence to improve responses to future epidemics.

“The commissioning of the ATBUTH Clinical Trial Centre marks a significant milestone in strengthening the country’s clinical research capacity under the CEPI-funded Lassa Programme,” the government said.

It added that the investment underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to advancing research and innovation while building resilient health systems capable of protecting Nigerians from emerging infectious diseases.

The government noted that the centre would play a critical role in supporting epidemic preparedness by providing a platform for cutting-edge research and the development of evidence-based interventions to combat public health threats, including Lassa fever and other emerging diseases.