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

President Bola 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 appointed renowned pharmaceutical researcher, Dr Obi Adigwe, as its pioneer National Coordinator.

The announcement was contained in a State House statement issued on Friday by the President's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the statement, the newly created office will be domiciled in the Office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare and will serve as the country's central platform for coordinating the implementation of Nigeria's digital health agenda.

The Presidency said the establishment of the office forms part of the Tinubu administration's efforts to modernise the nation's healthcare system by promoting the use of technology, data analytics and digital innovation to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes.

It explained that the NHTDAO would function as a meta-level coordinating platform, harmonising the activities of public and private institutions operating within the health sector without taking over the statutory responsibilities of existing agencies.

Rather than replacing current institutions, the office will strengthen collaboration among stakeholders, establish interoperability standards across the health system and oversee the implementation of the National Digital Health Architecture approved by the National Council on Health in November 2025.

According to the Presidency, the office is expected to provide the strategic coordination required to integrate health data systems nationwide, enabling more efficient healthcare planning, evidence-based policymaking and improved service delivery.

President Tinubu also approved the appointment of Dr Obi Adigwe as the pioneer National Coordinator of the office.

Adigwe currently serves as the Director General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), where he has led several scientific and technological initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria's pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.

The Presidency described him as a seasoned researcher and innovation expert who has leveraged science to promote artificial intelligence, translational research and technology transfer in the health sector.

Among his notable achievements, Adigwe coordinated the implementation of a ¥300 million Nanotechnology grant and an AFREXIMBank-funded project that established Africa's first Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Training Facility.

He also led the development of the roadmap that secured an €18 million European Union grant—the largest awarded in Africa within the thematic area.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Adigwe gained international recognition after leading what the Presidency described as the world's first scientific analysis that debunked claims surrounding the efficacy of the controversial Covid Organics herbal preparation.

To provide policy direction and strategic oversight for the new office, President Tinubu also approved the composition of a high-level Steering Committee comprising key government officials and representatives of the health and technology sectors.

The committee will be co-chaired by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, and the Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Mr Olaniyi Yusuf.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, will serve as Alternate Co-chair, while the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ms Kachollom Daju, is also a member.

Other members include the Special Adviser to the President on Technology and Digital Economy, Mr Idris Alubankudi Saliu; National Coordinator of the Sector-Wide Approach (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; and the Director General of the National Health Insurance Authority, Dr Kelechi Ohiri.

Also represented on the committee are the Director of Health Planning, Research and Statistics in the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, a representative of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), six representatives of State Commissioners of Health—one from each geopolitical zone—and Pharm Hamza Buhari, representing industry and community stakeholders.

According to the Presidency, the committee will provide strategic guidance for the implementation of Nigeria's digital health architecture and ensure effective coordination among federal institutions, state governments and private sector stakeholders.

President Tinubu expressed confidence that the establishment of the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office would accelerate Nigeria's transition to a secure, interoperable and data-driven healthcare system capable of delivering improved health outcomes for citizens.

The Presidency added that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration, particularly its commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery through innovation, technology and institutional reforms.