The Clinical Research Centre (CRC), Abuja is a premier facility under the Nigerian Ministry of Defence Health Implementation Programme (MODHIP), established in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense through the Walter Reed Program Nigeria (DOD-WRPN).

Founded in late 2014 in response to the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in West Africa, the CRC was set up to conduct world-class clinical trials and strengthen Nigeria’s readiness against epidemic threats. It has since evolved into one of West Africa’s most respected military-affiliated research centres, recognized for its rapid mobilization, strict compliance with international protocols, and community-centered research ethics.

CRC Abuja exists to bridge science and service through the development and testing of medical innovations that protect both military and civilian populations.

We are committed to:

• Conducting regulated, ethically sound clinical trials for emerging vaccines and therapeutics

• Supporting military medical readiness through evidence-based interventions

• Building national capacity in clinical trial implementation, biostatistics, and community engagement

• Contributing to global vaccine research and disease outbreak preparedness

Ebola Vaccine Research Leadership
CRC Abuja was the first Nigerian institution to implement an Ebola vaccine study — the RV429 trial — a Phase 2a, randomized, placebo-controlled, observer-blind, cross-country study led by GlaxoSmithKline and WHO.

• Successfully enrolled and vaccinated 330 volunteers
• Established a Community Advisory Committee (CAC) to guide ethical engagement
• Achieved 100% protocol compliance, as certified by international reviewers

Ongoing Clinical Trials
Following the success of RV429, CRC was approved to lead RV456 — a Phase 2 study evaluating the safety and immunogenicity of the Ad26.ZEBOV and MVA-BN-Filo vaccine candidates for EVD.
These efforts ensure readiness in protecting military personnel on mission and at-risk populations in epidemic zones.

Research Ethics & Community Engagement
CRC maintains a rigorous community engagement strategy through CACs and stakeholder consultations, ensuring informed consent, volunteer safety, and public trust in all trial processes.

CRC is equipped with facilities and systems for:

• Clinical trial design and protocol execution

• Participant screening, randomization, and follow-up

• Data capture and biostatistical analysis

• Adverse event monitoring and regulatory reporting

• Cold chain and specimen repository management

Our work is guided by GCP (Good Clinical Practice), NIH and WHO standards, and local ethical approvals.

CRC works in close partnership with:

• USAMRD-A/N (U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate – Africa/Nigeria)

• WRAIR (Walter Reed Army Institute of Research)

• GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)

• Nigerian National Health Research Ethics Committee (NHREC)

• PEPFAR, and other development partners

These collaborations enable CRC to operate within global frameworks, while tailoring research outcomes to local health needs.

CRC’s impact goes beyond research protocols. By training local personnel, strengthening ethical research practices, and expanding Nigeria’s capacity for epidemic response, the centre contributes directly to:

• Military force protection

• Public health emergency preparedness

• Scientific sovereignty and innovation in Africa