Bridging the Governance Gap: A Case for an Indigenous Jurisprudential Framework for Genomic and Biobanking Research in Nigeria.

Abstract

Nigeria's governance of genomic and biobanking research is hindered by inadequate regulatory frameworks that fail to address critical ethical and legal issues, such as data sharing, genomic sovereignty, informed consent, and benefit sharing. These governance gaps compromise participant rights, undermine trust, and hinder the equitable management of genetic resources. This study proposes an Indigenous Jurisprudential Framework (IJF) that integrates customary law and stewardship principles to create a culturally relevant governance model for genomic and biobanking research. Customary law, which emphasizes communal ownership and collective decision-making, provides a culturally grounded foundation for research governance, while stewardship principles advocate for the responsible management and preservation of genetic resources. By merging these approaches, the IJF aims to enhance ethical oversight, ensure equitable benefit sharing, and rebuild trust between researchers and participants. The framework also seeks to mitigate the exploitation of genetic resources, strengthen Nigeria's position in global scientific collaborations, and promote sustainable development by aligning research practices with local values. This research, grounded in a systematic literature review, offers a practical, context-specific solution that bridges traditional values with contemporary ethical standards, addressing the governance challenges in Nigeria's genomic and biobanking research. The IJF not only provides a model for Nigeria but also offers insights for other countries grappling with similar governance issues, particularly in regions with pluralistic legal systems and rich cultural traditions.