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

By Jame Ike

President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office (NHTDAO), a new agency aimed at coordinating Nigeria's digital health agenda, and appointed Dr. Obi Adigwe as its pioneer National Coordinator.

According to a State House statement issued by the President's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the new office will operate under the Office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.

The statement said the NHTDAO would serve as a national platform for driving digital health coordination across the country. It is expected to strengthen collaboration among public and private institutions, establish standards for interoperability, and implement the National Digital Health Architecture approved by the National Council on Health in November 2025.

The Presidency noted that the office would complement, rather than replace, the statutory responsibilities of existing health agencies, while promoting a secure and data-driven healthcare system.

Dr. Adigwe, who currently serves as the Director-General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), was credited with spearheading several major scientific and technological initiatives. These include coordinating a ¥300 million nanotechnology grant, facilitating the establishment of Africa's first Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Training Facility through an AFREXIMBank grant, and leading the roadmap that secured an €18 million European Union grant for the sector.

He also gained international recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic for conducting what was described as the world's first scientific analysis that challenged claims surrounding the Covid Organics herbal preparation.

To provide strategic direction and oversight for the new office, President Tinubu also approved a multi-sectoral 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, Mr. 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, Ms. Kachollom Daju; the President's Special Adviser on Technology and Digital Economy, Mr. Idris Alubankudi Saliu; heads of key health institutions, representatives of the National Information Technology Development Agency, state commissioners of health from the six geopolitical zones, and industry representative Pharm. Hamza Buhari.

The Presidency said the establishment of the NHTDAO is expected to accelerate Nigeria's transition to a secure, interoperable and technology-driven health system that improves healthcare delivery and outcomes for citizens, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.