In a major move to digitize Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure, President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office (NHTDAO). The presidency also announced the appointment of Dr. Obi Adigwe as the pioneer National Coordinator to spearhead the new agency, which will be domiciled within the Office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.
The NHTDAO is designed to function as a meta-level national platform tasked with coordinating Nigeria’s overarching digital health agenda. According to the presidency, the new establishment will reinforce, rather than replace, the statutory functions of existing health departments and agencies. It aims to harmonize public and private healthcare institutions, establish unified connectivity standards, and operationalize the National Digital Health Architecture that was approved by the National Council on Health in November 2025.
In an official statement released on Friday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, highlighted the strategic focus of the new agency.
“The President expects NHTDAO to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to a secure, interoperable and data-driven health system that improves outcomes for all citizens, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration,” Onanuga stated.
Adigwe’s Track Record in Health Innovation
The newly appointed National Coordinator, Dr. Obi Adigwe, steps into the role with extensive experience in pharmaceutical research and health technology. During his tenure as Director General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Adigwe utilized scientific research to drive interventions in artificial intelligence, translational research, and technology transfer.
His leadership background includes managing high-profile international projects, such as a ¥300 million Nanotechnology grant and an AFREXIMBank grant for Africa’s first Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Training Facility. Notably, Adigwe led the development of the roadmap that secured an €18 million European Union grant, marking the largest EU intervention in Africa for that specific thematic area. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he gained global recognition for leading the scientific analysis that debunked claims surrounding the Covid Organics preparation.
High-Level Steering Committee Formed
To ensure effective strategic direction and oversight, a high-level steering committee has been constituted to guide the operations of the new office. The committee is co-chaired by Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, and Mr. Olaniyi Yusuf, Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG). Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, will serve as the alternate co-chair.
Other prominent members of the steering committee include Ms. Kachollom Daju, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health; Mr. Idris Alubankudi Saliu, Special Adviser to the President on Technology and Digital Economy; Dr. Muyi Aina, Executive Director of the NPHCDA; and Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, Director General of the NHIA. The committee also features representatives from the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), six State Commissioners of Health representing the geopolitical zones, and Pharm Hamza Buhari, representing industry and community stakeholders.
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