Abuja, June 26, 2026 — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given the green light for the creation of the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office (NHTDAO). This new institution is set to play a key role in steering Nigeria’s digital health transformation, with the esteemed pharmaceutical scientist, Dr. Obi Adigwe, stepping in as its first National Coordinator.
This exciting news was shared on Friday through a press statement from the State House, which was signed by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
As per the presidency, the NHTDAO will function under the Office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, acting as a vital hub for advancing Nigeria’s digital health initiatives.
Coordinating Digital Health Transformation
The presidency has clarified that the NHTDAO isn’t meant to take over the essential roles of current government agencies and departments in the health sector. Instead, its goal is to provide a unifying force by coordinating the efforts of both public and private organizations, enhancing interoperability, setting national standards, and ensuring that digital health initiatives are implemented smoothly.
Additionally, the office is set to put into action the National Digital Health Architecture, a framework that the National Council on Health approved back in November 2025. This initiative aims to modernize Nigeria’s healthcare system through the use of technology and data-driven decision-making.
Officials are optimistic that this initiative will greatly improve healthcare planning, disease surveillance, health information management, and policy execution by fostering better integration of digital systems across the country.
Adigwe to Lead New Agency
President Tinubu has appointed Dr. Obi Adigwe as the first National Coordinator of the new office, praising his vast expertise in pharmaceutical research, innovation, artificial intelligence, and tech-driven healthcare development.
Currently, Adigwe is the Director General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), where he has spearheaded numerous groundbreaking scientific and technological projects.
Some of his standout accomplishments include coordinating a ¥300 million grant for Nanotechnology, securing support from AFREXIMBank for Africa’s inaugural Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) Training Facility, and crafting a strategic roadmap that brought in an impressive €18 million grant from the European Union—the largest ever awarded in Africa for this area.
The presidency also pointed out his international acclaim during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he conducted the world’s first scientific analysis that questioned the widely circulated claims about the Covid Organics herbal preparation, effectively showcasing Africa’s scientific prowess on a global platform.
Broad-Based Steering Committee
To ensure effective strategic oversight for the office, President Tinubu has given the green light to form a diverse Steering Committee. This group will bring together senior government officials, healthcare regulators, tech experts, industry representatives, and members from state governments.
Co-chaired by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, and Mr. Olaniyi Yusuf, the Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, this committee is set to make a significant impact.
The committee will also include:
- Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako (Alternate Co-chair)
- Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ms. Kachollom Daju
- Special Adviser to the President 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
- Director of Health Planning, Research and Statistics in the Ministry of Health
- Representative of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)
- Six representatives of State Commissioners of Health, one from each geopolitical zone
- Industry and community representative, Pharm. Hamza Buhari
Advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda
The Presidency has announced that the creation of the NHTDAO is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration, especially its dedication to enhancing healthcare delivery through innovation, technology, and evidence-based policymaking.
In the statement, President Tinubu expressed his hope that this office will speed up Nigeria’s shift towards a secure, interoperable, and data-driven health system. This system aims to provide better health outcomes for citizens while boosting efficiency, transparency, and coordination throughout the sector.
Health policy analysts believe that establishing this office is one of the most ambitious attempts to weave digital technologies into Nigeria’s healthcare landscape. It holds the promise of improving patient care, bolstering public health surveillance, enhancing health financing, and enabling more informed policy decisions through real-time data analytics.
If implemented effectively, this initiative could represent a major step forward in Nigeria’s quest for universal health coverage and a healthcare system powered by digital solutions.
