President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office (NHTDAO), a new agency designed to drive Nigeria’s digital transformation in the healthcare sector and strengthen the country’s use of technology and data for improved health outcomes.
The President also appointed former Director-General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Dr. Obi Adigwe, as the pioneer National Coordinator of the newly created office.
The announcement was made on Friday in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. According to the statement, the NHTDAO will operate under the Office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare and will serve as the central platform for coordinating Nigeria’s digital health agenda.
Rather than replacing existing agencies within the health sector, the new office will work alongside them by promoting collaboration between public and private institutions, establishing common digital standards, and implementing the National Digital Health Architecture approved by the National Council on Health in November 2025.
The Presidency said the creation of the agency reflects the Tinubu administration’s commitment to building a modern, technology-driven healthcare system capable of delivering more efficient and accessible services to Nigerians.
Dr. Adigwe is expected to bring extensive experience in health innovation, scientific research, artificial intelligence, and technology transfer to the role. During his tenure at NIPRD, he led several high-profile initiatives, including the coordination of a ¥300 million nanotechnology grant, an AFREXIMBank-supported project that established Africa’s first Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Training Facility, and the development of a roadmap that secured an €18 million European Union grant for pharmaceutical research and development.
The Presidency also highlighted Adigwe’s international recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he led a groundbreaking scientific analysis that challenged claims surrounding the effectiveness of the controversial COVID Organics herbal preparation, drawing global attention to African scientific research capabilities.
To provide strategic direction and oversight, the new office will be guided by a Steering Committee jointly chaired by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, and the Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Mr. Olaniyi Yusuf.
The committee will also include key government officials and stakeholders from the health and technology sectors, including the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ms. Kachollom Daju, Special Adviser to the President on Technology and Digital Economy, Mr. Alubankudi Saliu, as well as representatives from federal health agencies, state commissioners of health across the six geopolitical zones, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and industry leaders.
According to the Presidency, the establishment of the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office is expected to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to a secure, interoperable, and data-driven healthcare system. The initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and aims to improve healthcare delivery, strengthen decision-making through data analytics, and enhance health outcomes for millions of Nigerians.
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