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From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
The House of Representatives candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency, Dr. Stephen Ugwoke, has commended the Federal Government for establishing the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office (NHTDAO), describing the move as a major step towards transforming Nigeria’s struggling healthcare system.
Dr. Ugwoke, a healthcare professional and data analyst, said the decision by President Bola Tinubu to set up the agency shows growing recognition of the critical role technology and data play in driving meaningful reforms in the health sector.
In a statement made available to journalists in Enugu, Ugwoke argued that one of the biggest obstacles confronting Nigeria’s healthcare system remains the absence of reliable and integrated healthcare data, warning that without accurate information, the country cannot effectively address its numerous health challenges.
According to him, Nigeria needs a functional national health data system capable of tracking diseases, managing patient records and providing policymakers with dependable information for planning and resource allocation.
“Good healthcare does not begin in the operating theatre. It begins with data—clean, accessible, integrated, trustworthy data. You cannot fight what you cannot see. You cannot plan for diseases you are not tracking,” Dr. Ugwoke said.
He explained that the newly established NHTDAO is expected to coordinate Nigeria’s fragmented healthcare data ecosystem while driving the implementation of the National Digital Health Architecture, a framework expected to create a unified digital healthcare system across the country.
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The NDC candidate also praised the appointment of Dr. Obi Adigwe as pioneer National Coordinator of the agency, saying the choice signals a shift towards competence and expertise in public sector appointments.
According to him, Dr. Adigwe’s background as a pharmaceutical researcher makes him well-equipped to lead the development of Nigeria’s digital healthcare infrastructure.
“I have watched as Nigerian health institutions were led almost exclusively by medical doctors, regardless of whether a medical degree was the most relevant qualification. Seeing a pharmacist and pharmaceutical researcher appointed to lead this initiative gives hope that competence and expertise are beginning to take priority,” he said.
Drawing comparisons with countries such as the United States, Ugwoke noted that nations with stronger healthcare systems have made significant progress by embracing digital technologies, integrated health records and real-time health surveillance.
He further stressed that an effective interoperable healthcare system would allow patients’ medical records to be securely accessed across hospitals nationwide, improving continuity of care, emergency response, disease surveillance and overall national health planning.
However, he warned that the success of the initiative would depend heavily on sustained political commitment, adequate funding, standardised data collection systems, strong data protection safeguards and continuous training for healthcare workers.
Ugwoke urged governments at all levels, healthcare professionals and development partners to support the initiative, insisting that digital transformation remains essential to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system and improving public health outcomes.
