President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office (NHTDAO), a landmark initiative aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s digital health transformation and strengthening data-driven healthcare delivery nationwide.
The President also approved the appointment of Dr. Obi Adigwe as the pioneer National Coordinator of the newly created office, which will operate under the Office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.
According to a State House press release issued on Friday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the NHTDAO will serve as a national coordinating platform for Nigeria’s digital health agenda, providing strategic leadership without replacing the statutory responsibilities of existing government agencies.
The office is expected to harmonise and empower both public and private institutions across the country’s healthcare system by establishing common standards, improving interoperability, and driving the implementation of the National Digital Health Architecture, which was approved by the National Council on Health in November 2025.
The administration said the initiative represents a significant step toward building a secure, integrated, and technology-driven health ecosystem capable of improving healthcare outcomes for millions of Nigerians.
Dr. Adigwe brings extensive experience in healthcare innovation and scientific research to his new role. As the Director-General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), he has championed initiatives in artificial intelligence, translational research, and technology transfer.
His achievements include coordinating a ¥300 million nanotechnology grant, facilitating the AFREXIMBank grant for Africa’s first Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Training Facility, and leading the roadmap that secured an €18 million European Union grant—the largest on the continent in its thematic area. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Adigwe also gained international recognition for conducting the world’s first scientific analysis that debunked claims surrounding the widely publicised COVID Organics preparation.
To provide strategic oversight, the President approved the constitution of a high-level Steering Committee 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 the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako; Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ms. Kachollom Daju; the President’s Special Adviser on Technology and Digital Economy, Mr. Idris Alubankudi Saliu; National Coordinator of the SWAp Coordination Office, Dr. Muntaqa Umar-Sadiq; National Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative to Unlock Healthcare Value Chain, Dr. Abdu Mukhtar; Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Muyi Aina; Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri; the Director of Health Planning, Research and Statistics in the Ministry of Health; a representative of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA); six representatives of state commissioners of health, one from each geopolitical zone; and Pharm. Hamza Buhari, representing industry and community stakeholders.
President Tinubu expressed confidence that the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office will fast-track Nigeria’s transition to a secure, interoperable, and data-driven healthcare system, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, while improving service delivery and health outcomes for citizens across the country.
