TINUBU APPROVES NATIONAL HEALTH TECHNOLOGY OFFICE, APPOINTS OBI ADIGWE AS PIONEER COORDINATOR

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office (NHTDAO) to coordinate and drive Nigeria’s digital health agenda, marking a significant step towards modernising the country’s healthcare system.

The President also appointed Dr. Obi Adigwe, Director-General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), as the pioneer National Coordinator of the new office. Adigwe brings extensive expertise in leveraging science, artificial intelligence, and data analytics for health innovation.

According to a statement from the Presidency, the NHTDAO will focus on deploying health technologies, strengthening data analytics capabilities, promoting digital innovation, and supporting evidence-based policymaking across the health sector. The office will be overseen by a steering committee co-chaired by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.

This initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda’s emphasis on harnessing technology to improve healthcare delivery, efficiency, and outcomes. It is expected to facilitate better integration of digital tools in areas such as telemedicine, electronic health records, disease surveillance, and pharmaceutical research.

Stakeholders have welcomed the development, describing it as a forward-looking move that could position Nigeria as a leader in health technology innovation in Africa. The office is anticipated to foster public-private partnerships and attract investment into the digital health space.