• Names Adigwe Pioneer Coordinator
• Signs NIMC Act 2026 To Strengthen National Security, Digital Inclusion

President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office (NHTDAO), a new institution designed to spearhead Nigeria’s digital health transformation, with pharmaceutical researcher, Dr. Obi Adigwe, appointed as its pioneer National Coordinator.

The President took another major step towards repositioning Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem on Friday by assenting to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026, a landmark legislation expected to strengthen national security, improve governance, deepen digital inclusion and accelerate the country’s march towards a $1 trillion economy.

The NHTDAO, to be domiciled in the Office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, will serve as the country’s central platform for coordinating digital health initiatives, integrating health data systems and driving technology-enabled reforms across the healthcare sector.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the office is intended to strengthen, not replace, the statutory mandates of existing health institutions by providing national coordination, setting interoperability standards and ensuring seamless collaboration among public and private health stakeholders.

The statement said the office will operationalise the National Digital Health Architecture approved by the National Council on Health in November 2025, providing the framework for a secure, interoperable and data-driven healthcare ecosystem.

It noted that the NHTDAO is expected to harmonise digital health initiatives nationwide, improve data governance, accelerate innovation and support evidence-based policymaking aimed at improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

Tinubu also named Adigwe, the current Director-General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), to lead the new office.

The Presidency described Adigwe as a scientist with an established record in deploying research and technology to strengthen healthcare systems.

During his tenure at NIPRD, he championed initiatives in artificial intelligence, translational research and technology transfer, while coordinating several high-impact international projects, including a ¥300 million nanotechnology grant and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank)-supported establishment of Africa’s first Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) Training Facility.

He also led the roadmap that secured an €18 million European Union grant for pharmaceutical research, the largest of its kind on the continent, and gained international recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic for leading what was described as the world’s first scientific analysis debunking claims surrounding the “Covid Organics” herbal preparation.

To provide strategic direction and oversight, President Tinubu approved a high-level Steering Committee co-chaired by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Mr. Olaniyi Yusuf.

Other members include the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako; Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Kachollom Daju; Special Adviser to the President on Technology and Digital Economy, Idris Alubankudi Saliu; heads of key health institutions; representatives of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA); six state commissioners of health representing the geopolitical zones and an industry representative.

The President expressed confidence that the new office would accelerate Nigeria’s transition to a secure, interoperable and technology-driven health system capable of delivering improved healthcare outcomes for citizens, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The new NIMC law replaces the 19-year-old legal framework governing identity management in Nigeria. It introduces sweeping reforms that officials said would transform the National Identification Number (NIN) into the trusted foundation for identity verification, digital transactions and public service delivery.

Speaking after the signing ceremony at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, said the legislation marked a defining moment in Nigeria’s digital transformation, noting that it would significantly improve economic planning, infrastructure development, immigration management and national security.

According to him, a reliable and integrated digital identity system would enable government to make better decisions on the location of hospitals, industries and other public infrastructure while strengthening border management and migration control.

Akpabio disclosed that the National Assembly subjected the bill to rigorous legislative scrutiny, including public hearings and international benchmarking, to ensure the legislation meets global standards.

He said the legislation aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and has already begun impacting national security through the integration of identity databases with security platforms.

Also speaking, Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, described the legislation as a forward-looking reform that demonstrates the administration’s resolve to solve tomorrow’s challenges today.

“This is fantastic. Once again, it shows that this government understands what it takes to solve the future problems of Nigeria,” he said.

Tunji-Ojo applauded the National Assembly for supporting the Executive’s reform agenda and commended NIMC Director-General, Dr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, for championing the legal reforms needed to reposition the commission.

On her part, Coker-Odusote described the President’s assent as a historic milestone that closes a legal gap which had persisted for nearly two decades despite the rapid evolution of digital technology.

She said the Act establishes a modern legal framework for Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure by reinforcing the NIN as the country’s single trusted identity credential for citizens and legal residents.

According to her, the legislation introduces stronger safeguards for personal data, enhanced cybersecurity, legal backing for the National Public Key Infrastructure, secure digital authentication, encryption and digital signatures.

She explained that the law also empowers NIMC to function as the Federal Government’s Root Certificate Authority, enabling Ministries, Departments and Agencies to issue trusted digital certificates, authenticate official documents and eliminate duplication of identity infrastructure across government.

Coker-Odusote said the Act expands access to legal identity for vulnerable and underserved populations, promotes financial and social inclusion, improves confidence in digital transactions and creates the trusted digital ecosystem required to support President Tinubu’s goal of building a $1 trillion economy by 2030.