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Tinubu Creates New Agency; Makes Fresh Appointment

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Tinubu Creates New Agency; Makes Fresh Appointment

President Bola Tinubu has announced the establishment of the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office (NHTDAO), aimed at modernizing Nigeria’s healthcare sector through digital innovation. Dr. Obi Adigwe has been appointed as the inaugural National Coordinator for this newly formed agency.

According to a press release from the presidency, signed by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the NHTDAO will operate under the Office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.

The presidency clarified that this new office will not assume any existing responsibilities but will instead serve as a high-level coordinating platform. Its purpose is to unify various health components across the country, enhancing collaboration and efficiency within the healthcare system.

“It will reinforce, not replace, the existing statutory functions of relevant departments and agencies,” the statement read. “It will also harmonise and empower the public and private institutions across the health system, set the standards that connect them, and operationalise the National Digital Health Architecture, approved by the National Council on Health in November 2025.”

The pioneer National Coordinator, Dr. Adigwe, transitions into this role with a background in health innovation, having previously served as the Director-General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development.

During his tenure, he led major technological interventions, including managing a ¥300 million Nanotechnology grant and an AFREXIMBank grant for the continent’s first Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Training Facility.

He also spearheaded the roadmap for an €18 million European Union grant and gained global attention during the last pandemic by conducting the world’s first scientific analysis that disproved claims surrounding the Covid Organics preparation.

To ensure proper guidance and policy compliance, a steering committee has been set up to provide strategic oversight for the new office. The committee will be co-chaired by Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, and Mr. Olaniyi Yusuf, the Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group.

Other prominent members include the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, the Special Adviser to the President on Technology and Digital Economy, and executive heads from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the National Health Insurance Authority, and the National Information Technology Development Agency, alongside six representatives of State Commissioners of Health from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

“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 of his administration,” the statement added.