Tinubu Launches New Digital Health Office, Names Obi Adigwe Coordinator

President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office (NHTDAO) and appointed Dr. Obi Adigwe as its pioneer National Coordinator.

The new office will operate under the Office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.
The NHTDAO is designed to serve as a national coordinating platform for Nigeria’s digital health agenda. It will strengthen—not replace—the statutory responsibilities of existing health agencies and departments.
The office will harmonise and empower public and private institutions across the healthcare system, establish standards that promote interoperability, and implement the National Digital Health Architecture approved by the National Council on Health in November 2025.
Dr. Adigwe, who currently serves as Director General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), has led several science-driven initiatives in artificial intelligence, translational research, and technology transfer.
He coordinated key projects, including the ¥300 million Nanotechnology grant and the AFREXIMBank grant for Africa’s first Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) Training Facility. He also spearheaded the roadmap that secured an €18 million European Union grant—the largest in Africa within the thematic area. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Adigwe gained global recognition for conducting the world’s first scientific analysis that debunked claims surrounding the Covid Organics preparation.
The Office’s Steering Committee, responsible for providing strategic direction and oversight, comprises:
Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, CON – Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare (Co-chair)
Mr. Olaniyi Yusuf – Chairman, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (Co-chair)
Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako – Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare (Alternate Co-chair)
Ms. Kachollom Daju – Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare
Mr. Idris Alubankudi Saliu – Special Adviser to the President on Technology and Digital Economy
Dr. Muntaqa Umar-Sadiq – National Coordinator, SWAp Coordination Office
Dr. Abdu Mukhtar – National Coordinator, Presidential Initiative to Unlock Healthcare Value Chain
Dr. Muyi Aina – Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency
Dr. Kelechi Ohiri – Director General, National Health Insurance Authority
Director, Health Planning, Research and Statistics, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare
Representative of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)
Six representatives of State Commissioners of Health, one from each geopolitical zone
Pharm. Hamza Buhari – Stakeholder Representative for Industry and Community
President Tinubu expects the NHTDAO to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to a secure, interoperable, and data-driven healthcare system that delivers improved health outcomes for all citizens, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy)
June 26, 2026