The formation of the Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria was preceded by the formation of Sickle Cell Clubs and the Federation of Sickle Cell Clubs of Nigeria.

The Sickle Cell Clubs are patient/parent support associations, which are inherently unsuited to addressing other important issues in sickle cell disorder control, such as, research and training of health care personnel in a sustained manner. The Sickle Cell Foundation was established to fulfill this important role.