Tinubu Approves Creation of National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office

* Appoints Dr Obi Adigwe national coordinator

* Names 18‑man steering committee to provide strategic direction and oversight for the office

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has approved the creation of the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office (NHTDAO) and named Dr Obi Adigwe as its inaugural National Coordinator.

In a statement released by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the agency will be located within the Office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.

The NHTDAO will act as a national platform that coordinates the country’s digital‑health agenda at a meta‑level.

It will complement, rather than replace, the existing statutory functions of relevant departments and agencies.

It will also harmonise and empower public and private institutions across the health system, set the standards that link them, and operationalise the National Digital Health Architecture, which was approved by the National Council on Health in November 2025.

Dr Adigwe, who serves as Director General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, has used science to drive interventions in artificial intelligence, translational research, and technology transfer.

He coordinated major projects, including the ₦300 million Nanotechnology grant and the AFREXIMBank grant for Africa’s first API Training Facility.

He led the roadmap that underpinned an €18 million EU grant, the largest in Africa for that thematic area.

During the last pandemic, Adigwe showcased African science on the global stage by conducting the world’s first analysis that debunked claims about the Covid Organics preparation.

The Office’s Steering Committee, which provides strategic direction and oversight, includes Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare (Co‑chair); Mr Olaniyi Yusuf, Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (Co‑chair); Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare (Alternate Co‑chair); Ms Kachollom Daju, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare; Mr Idris Alubankudi Saliu, Special Adviser to the President on Technology and Digital Economy; Dr Muntaqa Umar‑Sadiq, National Coordinator, SWAp Coordination Office; and Dr Abdu Mukhtar, National Coordinator, Presidential Initiative to Unlock Healthcare Value Chain.

Other Steering Committee members are Dr Muyi Aina, Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency; Dr Kelechi Ohiri, Director General, National Health Insurance Authority; Director of Health Planning, Research and Statistics, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare; a representative from the National Information Technology Development Agency; six representatives of state Commissioners for Health, one from each of the six geopolitical zones; and Hamza Buhari, stakeholder representing Industry and Community.

The president expects the 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.