ABUJA — In a major move to digitize Nigeria’s healthcare landscape, President Bola Tinubu has approved the creation of the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office (NHTDAO). To lead the new establishment, the President has appointed Dr. Obi Adigwe, a renowned pharmaceutical policy expert and researcher, as its pioneer National Coordinator.
The announcement was made public by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the Presidency, the NHTDAO will be domiciled within the Office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare. The agency is positioned to serve as a meta-level national coordination platform, tasked with driving Nigeria’s digital-health agenda, harmonizing health data systems, and introducing advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and technology-driven reforms to the nation’s health sector.
Streamlining, Not Replacing, Existing Agencies
The State House emphasized that the creation of the NHTDAO is not meant to usurp the roles of already existing federal health bodies. Instead, it will reinforce and strengthen their statutory functions.
The new office will bridge the gap between public and private institutions across the country’s health ecosystem. It is mandated to establish critical connectivity standards and fully operationalize the National Digital Health Architecture—a strategic framework previously approved by the National Council on Health in November 2025.
Adigwe’s Track Record in Science and Innovation
Dr. Obi Adigwe steps into the pioneer role with a highly decorated background in global health policy and pharmaceutical innovation. He holds a Master’s degree in Global Health and Public Policy from the University of Edinburgh and a PhD in Pharmaceutical Policy from the University of Leeds.
Before this appointment, Adigwe served as the Director-General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD). During his tenure at NIPRD, he became a key figure in pushing for healthcare technology transfer and local manufacturing solutions. His notable achievements include:
- Coordinating a high-profile ¥300 million nanotechnology grant.
- Securing an AFREXIMBank grant to establish Africa’s first Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Training Facility.
- Developing the strategic roadmap that secured an €18 million European Union grant for vaccine and pharmaceutical research—the largest of its kind on the continent.
- Gaining global recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic for leading the world’s first scientific analysis that debunked the efficacy claims of Madagascar’s “Covid Organics” preparation.
Strategic Oversight and Governance
To ensure seamless execution, the President has also approved a high-powered Steering Committee to provide strategic oversight for the new office. The committee brings together top-tier leaders from government, technology, and the private sector:
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- Co-Chairs: Professor Muhammad Ali Pate (Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare) and Mr. Olaniyi Yusuf (Chairman, Nigerian Economic Summit Group).
- Alternate Co-Chair: Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako (Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare).
- Key Members: Ms. Kachollom Daju (Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health); Mr. Idris Alubankudi Saliu (Special Adviser to the President on Technology and Digital Economy); Dr. Muntaqa Umar-Sadiq (National Coordinator, SWAp); Dr. Abdu Mukhtar (National Coordinator, Presidential Initiative to Unlock Healthcare Value Chain); Dr. Muyi Aina (Executive Director, NPHCDA); and Dr. Kelechi Ohiri (Director-General, NHIA).
- Representation: Representatives from the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Director of Health Planning, Research and Statistics, six State Commissioners of Health representing Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, and Pharm Hamza Buhari representing industry and community stakeholders.
The Presidency stated that this new establishment directly aligns with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, reflecting a commitment to accelerating Nigeria’s transition toward a secure, modern, and data-driven healthcare delivery network.
