Tinubu Launches National Health Data Agency, Appoints Obi Adigwe as Pioneer Coordinator

Tinubu Launches National Health Data Agency, Appoints Obi Adigwe as Pioneer Coordinator

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office (NHTDAO), a new agency designed to drive Nigeria’s digital health transformation and strengthen data-driven healthcare delivery.

The President also appointed Obi Adigwe 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 Presidency, the NHTDAO will serve as a central platform for coordinating Nigeria’s digital health agenda, promoting interoperability across the healthcare system and implementing the National Digital Health Architecture approved by the National Council on Health in November 2025.

The office is expected to harmonise the activities of public and private health institutions, establish common standards and strengthen the use of technology and data analytics in healthcare planning, service delivery and policy implementation.

Before his appointment, Adigwe served as Director-General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), where he championed initiatives in artificial intelligence, technology transfer and translational research.

He also coordinated several high-profile projects, including a ¥300 million nanotechnology grant, an AFREXIMBank-backed pharmaceutical training facility and an €18 million European Union grant programme focused on healthcare innovation.

The newly established office will be guided by a high-level steering committee co-chaired by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and 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 of the Ministry of Health, Kachollom Daju, and representatives of key health institutions, state governments and the technology sector.

The announcement. which was contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.President says the initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s  Renewed Hope Agenda and is expected to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to a secure, interoperable and data-driven health system capable of improving healthcare outcomes for all citizens.