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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu yesterday approved the creation of the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office (NHTDAO).
He also appointed the current Director-General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Dr Obi Adigwe, as its pioneer National Coordinator.
This was contained in a State House statement issued by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The new office will be domiciled within the Office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare. It is designed to act as a meta-level national platform to coordinate Nigeria’s digital health agenda.
“The President expects NHTDAO to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to a secure, interoperable, and data-driven health system that improves outcomes for all citizens, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the statement read.
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The NHTDAO will reinforce, rather than replace, the statutory functions of existing agencies. It will harmonise public and private health institutions, set connectivity standards, and operationalise the National Digital Health Architecture approved by the National Council on Health in November 2025.
Adigwe, was selected for his track record in driving innovation. He previously coordinated major projects, including a ¥300 million nanotechnology grant, an AFREXIMBank grant for Africa’s first active pharmaceutical ingredient training facility, and a roadmap that secured an €18 million European Union grant.
“During the pandemic, Adigwe showcased African science globally by undertaking the world’s first analysis to debunk claims about the Covid Organics preparation,” the statement added.
The NHTDAO is expected to be guided by a Steering Committee co-chaired by Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, and Olaniyi Yusuf, Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group.
Members include the Minister of State for Health, the Permanent Secretary of the Health Ministry, the Special Adviser to the President on Technology and Digital Economy, agency executives, six state commissioners of health, representing the geopolitical zones, and industry stakeholder, Hamza Buhari.
