By Queen Madaki
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office (NHTDAO), a new agency designed to coordinate Nigeria’s digital health agenda and strengthen the country’s healthcare system through technology-driven innovation.
The new office will operate under the Office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare. According to an official statement, it is expected to serve as the national platform for implementing digital health initiatives across the country. The Bureau Journal reports that the move forms part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to modernise healthcare delivery through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
New Office to Drive Digital Health Transformation
The statement explained that the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office will complement, rather than replace, the statutory responsibilities of existing health institutions and agencies.
Its responsibilities include improving collaboration between public and private healthcare providers, developing interoperability standards for health information systems, and implementing the National Digital Health Architecture approved by the National Council on Health in November 2025.
The initiative is expected to strengthen data-driven decision-making, improve healthcare coordination and support the digital transformation of Nigeria’s health sector.
Dr Obi Adigwe Named Pioneer National Coordinator
President Tinubu also appointed Dr Obi Adigwe as the pioneer National Coordinator of the newly created office.
Adigwe currently serves as the Director-General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), where he has led several initiatives centred on artificial intelligence, translational research, pharmaceutical innovation and technology transfer.
Among his notable achievements are coordinating the ¥300 million Nanotechnology Grant programme and leading the AFREXIMBank-backed project that established Africa’s first Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) Training Facility.
He also spearheaded the roadmap that helped secure an €18 million grant from the European Union to support healthcare sector development.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Adigwe gained international recognition after conducting what was described as the world’s first scientific analysis of the Covid Organics herbal preparation.
Steering Committee to Oversee Implementation
The Federal Government has constituted a Steering Committee to provide strategic direction and oversight for the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office.
The committee is co-chaired by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, and the Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Mr Olaniyi Yusuf.
Other members include:
- Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare
- Ms Kachollom Daju, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare
- Mr Idris Alubankudi Saliu, Special Adviser to the President on Technology and Digital Economy
- Dr Muntaqa Umar-Sadiq, National Coordinator, SWAp Coordination Office
- Dr Abdu Mukhtar, National Coordinator, Presidential Initiative to Unlock the Healthcare Value Chain
- Dr Muyi Aina, Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency
- Dr Kelechi Ohiri, Director-General, National Health Insurance Authority
- A representative of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)
- Six representatives of State Commissioners of Health across the geopolitical zones
- Pharm Hamza Buhari representing industry and community stakeholders
Why the Initiative Matters
The Presidency said the new office will accelerate Nigeria’s transition to a secure, interoperable and data-driven healthcare system capable of improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes nationwide.
The initiative is expected to enhance policy coordination, strengthen digital infrastructure, improve the management of health records and support innovation across the healthcare sector.
As Nigeria News Today continues to spotlight reforms in public health, The Bureau Journal will monitor the implementation of the new office and its impact on healthcare services across the country.
The Bureau Journal understands that the establishment of the NHTDAO represents another step in the Federal Government’s commitment to building a more efficient, technology-enabled healthcare system for Nigerians.
Official Sources
- Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare
- National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD)
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