Tinubu Establishes National Health Technology, Data Analytics Office, Appoints Obi Adigwe as Coordinator
Tinubu Establishes National Health Technology, Data Analytics Office, Appoints Obi Adigwe as Coordinator
Tinubu Establishes National Health Technology, Data Analytics Office, Appoints Obi Adigwe as Coordinator
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office (NHTDAO) as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s digital health ecosystem and improve healthcare delivery through data-driven solutions.
The President also approved the appointment of Dr. Obi Adigwe as the pioneer National Coordinator of the new office, which will be domiciled in the Office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the NHTDAO will serve as a national coordinating platform for Nigeria’s digital health agenda, promoting the integration of technology, data analytics and innovation across the healthcare sector.
The statement explained that the office will not replace the statutory responsibilities of existing agencies and departments. Instead, it will harmonise and strengthen collaboration among public and private institutions, establish standards for interoperability, and drive the implementation of the National Digital Health Architecture approved by the National Council on Health in November 2025.
President Tinubu said the initiative is expected to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to a secure, interoperable and data-driven healthcare system capable of improving health outcomes for citizens in line with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Dr. Adigwe, who currently serves as Director-General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), is widely recognised for his contributions to pharmaceutical research, artificial intelligence, technology transfer and healthcare innovation.
During his tenure at NIPRD, he coordinated several major initiatives, including a ¥300 million nanotechnology grant and an AFREXIMBank-supported project that established Africa’s first Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Training Facility. He also led the development of a roadmap that secured an €18 million European Union grant, described as the largest in Africa for the thematic area.
The statement further noted that Adigwe gained international recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic for leading research that critically evaluated and challenged claims surrounding the widely publicised Covid Organics preparation.
To provide strategic oversight, the NHTDAO 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 the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako; Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Kachollom Daju; Special Adviser to the President on Technology and Digital Economy, Idris Alubankudi Saliu; and representatives from key health institutions, state governments and the technology sector.
The Federal Government said the new office will play a central role in leveraging technology and data analytics to improve planning, service delivery, policy implementation and overall healthcare outcomes across Nigeria.
Tinubu Establishes National Health Technology, Data Analytics Office, Appoints Obi Adigwe as Coordinator
