Tinubu Moves to Modernise Nigeria’s Healthcare System, Create New Agency

President Bola Tinubu has approved the creation of the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office (NHTDAO) to spearhead the modernization of the country’s healthcare sector through digital innovation.

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The presidency also announced the appointment of Dr. Obi Adigwe as the pioneer National Coordinator for the new agency.

According to an official state house press release signed by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the new body will be domiciled within the Office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.

Rather than taking over existing responsibilities, the presidency emphasized that the new organization will function as a high-level coordinating platform designed to unify various health components across the federation.

“It will reinforce, not replace, the existing statutory functions of relevant departments and agencies,” the statement read. “It will also harmonise and empower the public and private institutions across the health system, set the standards that connect them, and operationalise the National Digital Health Architecture, approved by the National Council on Health in November 2025.” 

The pioneer National Coordinator, Dr. Adigwe, transitions into this role with a background in health innovation, having previously served as the Director-General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development. During his tenure, he led major technological interventions, including managing a ¥300 million Nanotechnology grant and an AFREXIMBank grant for the continent’s first Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Training Facility.

He also spearheaded the roadmap for an €18 million European Union grant and gained global attention during the last pandemic by conducting the world’s first scientific analysis that disproved claims surrounding the Covid Organics preparation. 

To ensure proper guidance and policy compliance, a steering committee has been set up to provide strategic oversight for the new office. The committee will be co-chaired by Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, and Mr. Olaniyi Yusuf, the Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group.

Other prominent members include the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, the Special Adviser to the President on Technology and Digital Economy, and executive heads from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the National Health Insurance Authority, and the National Information Technology Development Agency, alongside six representatives of State Commissioners of Health from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. 

“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,” the statement added.