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


 


By Abdulahi Musa 


President Bola Tinubu 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 strengthening the country's use of technology and data in healthcare delivery.


The approval, announced in a statement issued on Friday by the President's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, also confirmed the appointment of Dr. Obi Adigwe as the pioneer National Coordinator of the newly created office.


According to the Presidency, the NHTDAO will operate under the Office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare and serve as the central platform for coordinating Nigeria's digital health agenda.


The statement explained that the office is not intended to replace existing government agencies or departments in the health sector. Instead, it will harmonise and strengthen collaboration among public and private institutions, establish national standards for digital health systems, and oversee 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 service delivery and health outcomes across the country.


Dr. Adigwe, who currently serves as the Director-General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), was selected to lead the office based on his experience in advancing scientific research, artificial intelligence, technology transfer and pharmaceutical innovation.


The Presidency highlighted his role in coordinating several high-impact projects, including the ¥300 million Nanotechnology Grant, the AFREXIMBank-supported establishment of Africa's first Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Training Facility, and the development of a roadmap that secured an €18 million European Union grant for pharmaceutical research—the largest of its kind in Africa. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Adigwe also gained international recognition for leading the first scientific analysis that challenged claims surrounding the effectiveness of the Covid Organics herbal preparation.


To provide strategic oversight, the government has constituted a Steering Committee co-chaired by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, and 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; National Coordinator of the SWAp Coordination Office, Dr. Muntaqa Umar-Sadiq; National Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative to Unlock the Healthcare Value Chain, Dr. Abdu Mukhtar; Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Muyi Aina; Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri; representatives of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the six geopolitical zones through state commissioners of health, and industry representative Pharm. Hamza Buhari.


The Presidency expressed confidence that the establishment of the NHTDAO will enhance healthcare governance, improve data management, promote innovation, and support the Renewed Hope Agenda through a more efficient and technology-driven health system.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Tinubu Orders EFCC to Lift Freeze on Osun Government Accounts Ahead of Governorship Election

Image
  By Ajimati Samuel  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately vacate the court order freezing the bank accounts of the Osun State Government, citing concerns over the timing of the action as the state prepares for its August 15 governorship election. In a State House statement issued on Thursday, the President said he was deeply embarrassed by the development, stressing that although he respects the independence of anti-corruption agencies, the timing of the EFCC's move could create the impression that the Federal Government was attempting to influence the forthcoming election. Tinubu clarified that he had no prior knowledge of the EFCC's decision to obtain the court order on August 5, 2026, and reiterated his administration's commitment to allowing law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies to carry out their constitutional duties without political interference. According to the President, institutions es...
Read more

Accord Shocks APC, Wins Omisore’s Polling Unit in Osun Governorship Election

Image
  By Abdulahi Musa  The Accord Party has won the governorship election at the polling unit of former Osun Deputy Governor and ex-National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Iyiola Omisore. Results uploaded to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Result Viewing Portal (IReV) showed that Accord secured 131 votes at Polling Unit 003, Ife Ward 1 (Moore), St. Gabriel Primary School, in Ife East Local Government Area. The APC placed second with 85 votes, while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) polled 10 votes. Other political parties recorded only a few votes at the polling unit. The development marks another early gain for Accord as the collation of results from polling units across Osun State continues. The victory comes shortly after Accord also prevailed at the polling unit of former Osun Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, in Okuku, Odo-Otin Local Government Area. Accord recorded 125 votes there, defeating the APC, which polled 85 vo...
Read more

Imesi-Ile Youth Leader Celebrates Six New Lawyers, Commends IPA for Honouring Outstanding Achievers

Image
  By Abosede Adekunle  The National Youth Leader of Imesi-Ile, Comrade John Rotimi Fakanlu, has congratulated six indigenes of the community who were recently called to the Nigerian Bar, describing their achievement as a significant milestone that reflects the community's growing commitment to academic excellence and professional development. In a statement released on Saturday, Fakanlu also expressed appreciation to the Imesi-Ile Progressive Association (IPA), National Body, for recognising and celebrating the newly inducted legal practitioners. He specifically commended the National President of the association, Barr. Samuel Agbeluyi, mni, and the General Secretary, Mr. Sola Oluwadare, for what he described as a thoughtful initiative aimed at encouraging excellence among the youths of the community. The six newly qualified Barristers and Solicitors of the Supreme Court of Nigeria are Barr. Temidayo Fabiyi, Barr. Iyanuoluwa Babaniyi, Barr. Similoluwa Jegede, Barr. Taiwo Mayow...
Read more