Tinubu Establishes National Health Technology Office, Appoints Obi Adigwe as Pioneer Coordinator

By Paul Joseph

The President has approved the establishment of the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office (NHTDAO), a new agency aimed at driving Nigeria’s digital health transformation, and appointed Dr. Obi Adigwe as its pioneer National Coordinator.

The new office will operate under the Office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare and serve as a central platform for coordinating the country’s digital health agenda.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy , the NHTDAO will strengthen and not replace the statutory responsibilities of existing health agencies.

Instead, it will harmonise the activities of public and private institutions, establish common standards, and oversee the implementation of the National Digital Health Architecture approved by the National Council on Health in November 2025.

The administration said the initiative is expected to accelerate the country’s transition to a secure, interoperable, and data-driven healthcare system capable of delivering improved health outcomes for Nigerians.

Dr. Adigwe, who currently serves as Director General of the , brings extensive experience in science, innovation, and healthcare technology.

During his tenure, he spearheaded several landmark initiatives, including the ¥300 million Nanotechnology Grant, the AFREXIMBank-funded project for Africa’s first Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Training Facility, and the development of the roadmap that secured an €18 million European Union grant the largest on the continent in that thematic area.

He also gained international recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic for leading the world’s first scientific analysis that challenged claims surrounding the Covid Organics herbal preparation.

To provide strategic direction and oversight, President Tinubu approved a multi-sectoral Steering Committee co-chaired by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, , and Chairman of the , Olaniyi Yusuf.

Other members include 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; National Coordinator of the SWAp Coordination Office, Dr. Muntaqa Umar-Sadiq; National Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative to Unlock Healthcare Value Chain, Dr. Abdu Mukhtar; Executive Director of the , Dr. Muyi Aina; Director General of the , Dr. Kelechi Ohiri; the Director of Health Planning, Research and Statistics at the Ministry of Health; a representative of the ; six representatives of state commissioners of health one from each geopolitical zone and Pharm. Hamza Buhari representing industry and community stakeholders.

The Presidency said the establishment of the NHTDAO aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda and is expected to deepen the use of technology and data in strengthening healthcare delivery across Nigeria.