President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office (NHTDAO) and appointed Dr Obi Adigwe as the pioneer National Coordinator.
The agency will be domiciled in the Office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.
The NHTDAO will serve as a meta-level national platform for coordinating the country’s digital-health agenda.
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.
Dr. Obi Adigwe Profile
Dr. Obi Adigwe, is currently Director General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, where he leveraged science to catalyse interventions in artificial intelligence, translational research, and technology transfer.
He has coordinated major projects, including the ¥300m Nanotechnology grant and the AFREXIMBank grant for Africa’s first API Training Facility. He led the roadmap development that underpinned an €18 million EU grant, the largest in Africa for the thematic area.
During the last pandemic, Adigwe globally showcased African science by undertaking the world’s first analysis to debunk claims about the Covid Organics preparation.
Professional Experience
He was formerly Executive Secretary of the , Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of the Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria (PMGMAN) where he played a pivotal role in policy advocacy, prioritization of the pharmaceutical industry in Nigeria’s 2016 fiscal policy including the organization of the landmark 2017 Pharma Expo, and initiatives impacting West Africa’s pharma sector.
He was Pioneer Head of Unit, Health Policy Research and Development (HPRD) Unit at the National Assembly of Nigeria (NASS) developed evidence-based strategies for legislation and policy formulation in health, authored research dissemination materials, and advanced empirical approaches to policymaking.
He also served as Senior Project Officer, Pharmacy Development Unit, University of Leeds, United Kingdom where he contributed to pharmacy development, research, and projects in the Greater Leeds Area.
Education
He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Health Care and Policy (focus on Pharmaceutical Policy), University of Leeds, UK (2008–2012).
He also holds a Master’s Degree in GloNbal Health and Public Policy from the University of Edinburgh, UK and a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) from the University of Jos, Nigeria.
Dr. Adigwe is widely recognized for bridging academia, policy, and industry to advance Nigeria’s pharmaceutical and healthcare landscape. He is a sought-after speaker at international conferences and continues to drive innovation and policy impact at NIPRD.
Other Members of NHTDAO
Other members of the Office’s Steering Committee, which provides strategic direction and oversight are:
• Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, CON, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare (Co-chair)
• Mr Olaniyi Yusuf, Chairman of the 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, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare
• National Information Technology Development Agency Representative
• Six representatives of the State Commissioners of Health, one from each of the six geopolitical zones
• Pharm Hamza Buhari, Stakeholder representing Industry and Community
The Presidency 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.
