President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office (NHTDAO), a new agency aimed at coordinating Nigeria's digital health agenda and strengthening the use of technology and data across the healthcare system.
The Presidency announced on Friday that Dr. Obi Adigwe has been appointed as the pioneer National Coordinator of the office, which will operate under the Office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.
According to the State House, the NHTDAO will serve as "a meta-level national platform for coordinating the country's digital-health agenda" while reinforcing, rather than replacing, the statutory responsibilities of existing health institutions.
The office is expected to harmonise the activities of public and private health institutions, develop interoperability standards, and implement the National Digital Health Architecture approved by the National Council on Health in November 2025.
"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 said.
Dr. Adigwe, who currently serves as Director-General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), has led several research and innovation initiatives in artificial intelligence, technology transfer and pharmaceutical development.
The Presidency noted that he coordinated major projects, including a ¥300 million nanotechnology grant and an AFREXIMBank-funded initiative that established Africa's first Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Training Facility. It also credited him with leading the roadmap that secured an €18 million European Union grant for pharmaceutical manufacturing and conducting what it described as the world's first scientific analysis debunking claims surrounding the Covid Organics preparation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The office will be guided by a 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, Olaniyi Yusuf.
Other members include Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Permanent Secretary Kachollom Daju, Special Adviser to the President on Technology and Digital Economy Idris Alubankudi Saliu, heads of key health agencies, representatives of state commissioners of health from the six geopolitical zones, and industry representative Pharm. Hamza Buhari.
The Presidency said the new office is expected to improve coordination, strengthen data governance and support the digital transformation of Nigeria's healthcare system.
