Closing the Gap Between Implementation Science and Policy in Nigeria: Lessons from the Nigeria Implementation Science Alliance Using a Nominal Group Technique

TONIA C ONYEKA^1,2*Babayemi Olakunde^2,3Otoyo Toyo⁴Ijeoma Itanyi^2,5Andy Eyo⁶Dina Patel⁷Patrick Dakum⁸Prosper Okonkwo⁹Michael Obiefune⁸John Oko¹⁰Bolanle Oyeledun¹¹Ayodotun Olutola¹²Bola Gobir¹³Adetiloye Oniyire¹⁴Nguavese Torbunde¹⁵Muyi Aina¹⁶Sidney Sampson¹⁷Hamisu Saliu¹⁸Joseph Olisa¹⁹Vidya Vedham²⁰Mark Parascandola²¹Patti Gravitt²⁰Gregory A Aarons²²Echezona Ezeanolue²

• ¹College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria
• ²IVAN Research Institute, Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria
• ³Department of Population and Community Health, College of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
• ⁴ECEWS Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
• ⁵Department of Community Medicine, University of Nigeria, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria
• ⁶ECEWS, Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
• ⁷HealthySunrise Foundation, Las Vegas, United States
• ⁸IHVN Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
• ⁹APIN Public Health Initiative, Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
• ¹⁰CCFN Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
• ¹¹CIHP Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
• ¹²CCCRN Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
• ¹³GGH Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
• ¹⁴JHPIEGO Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
• ¹⁵Center for Disease Control, Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
• ¹⁶Solina Health, Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
• ¹⁷Sydani Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
• ¹⁸Kano Independent Research Centre Trust, Kano, Nigeria
• ¹⁹DCL Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
• ²⁰Center for Global Health, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
• ²¹Center for Gobal Health, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
• ²²University of California, San Diego, United States

Abstract Introduction: Knowledge translation in healthcare has been of keen interest to researchers, practitioners, policymakers and administrators as it seeks to confront complex health issues within communities by closing the gap between knowledge generation through research and knowledge application. A paucity of information exists regarding nature of the relationship between Nigerian implementation science researchers and policymakers in the sphere of knowledge translation. This study aimed to identify and discuss barriers to successful engagement between implementation researchers and policymakers as well as to identify strategies for successful engagement between both parties in Nigeria. Methods: A modified Nominal Group Technique was conducted with 259 diverse health research stakeholders attending the 7th Nigeria Implementation Science Alliance conference in Abuja, Nigeria, to identify barriers to knowledge translation in Nigerian healthcare settings. Results: Lack of interest in non-aligned priorities of implementation researchers and policymakers, knowledge and capacity gap in stakeholder engagement, and non-existence of engagement framework were ranked as the top three barriers. Developing and sustaining an effective engagement framework, aligning researcher-policymaker interests through collaborative research projects, and joint capacity-building were ranked the topmost facilitators of researcher-policymaker engagement. Conclusion: This study highlights key barriers to research-to-policy engagement in Nigeria, namely the need for structured engagement frameworks, alignment of priorities, and targeted capacity development, and proposes actionable strategies to address them. Sustainable impact will depend on dedicated financing, governance reforms, and institutional changes, supported by long-term partnerships and robust evaluation systems to advance knowledge translation and improve health outcomes.This study identifies barriers that hinder effective collaboration between implementation researchers and policymakers in Nigeria. It emphasizes the need for a sustained engagement framework, alignment of interests through collaborative projects and provides actionable insights for enhanced knowledge translation.