The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a bold move to digitally transform the country’s health system, placing data and technology at the core of healthcare reforms under the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.
Speaking at the Nigeria Digital Health Initiative (NDHI) National Stakeholders Meeting held on Monday in Abuja, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako described the launch as a “decisive moment” for Nigeria’s healthcare sector. He emphasised that this initiative represents a critical turning point in addressing long-standing challenges within the health system.
Launched in March 2024, the NDHI seeks to unify Nigeria’s fragmented digital health landscape by developing a modular, open, and interoperable digital health services network. The initiative aims to tackle decades of fragmented healthcare data collection, poor interoperability between systems, and inefficient service delivery that have hindered effective healthcare provision across the country.
Salako highlighted that the initiative will enable real-time disease outbreak tracking, streamline health financing, improve immunisation coverage and support innovators in developing health apps that can improve patient care while creating new job opportunities.
He stressed that digital tools have evolved from being a luxury to a necessity for frontline healthcare workers and policymakers alike. Moreover, he pointed out the crucial role of the private sector, which currently provides about 60 per cent of healthcare services in Nigeria. Salako called for their integration into national health data reporting systems to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive digital health network.
The NDHI rests on three foundational pillars: the interoperable digital health services network, health claims exchange (HCX) and health information exchange (HIE). The HCX consists of modular and connected digital tools designed to work seamlessly together. The HCX focuses on reducing fraud and optimising health spending by providing real-time access to claims data. The HIE ensures secure and efficient data sharing across health facilities, states and public and private sectors.
Together, these components will create a national health data space that empowers clinical decision-making, strengthens public health surveillance, supports effective resource allocation, and fosters innovation through startup participation.
Salako urged state health commissioners and digital health focal persons to commit to concrete actions and timelines, emphasising the need for coordinated efforts across all levels of government. “A woman delivering in rural Yobe State will have her medical records linked to referral centres across the country without needing paper folders. This is the future we are building,” he said.
Endorsed by the National Council on Health in November 2024, the NDHI represents a shift from fragmented pilot projects toward system-wide digital health transformation. Salako described it as a national, not just Federal – initiative and called on all stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society and private sector players, to take ownership.
“We must move from vision to execution. Let this meeting be remembered not just as a gathering, but as the launchpad for building a smarter, stronger, and more equitable health system for all Nigerians,” he concluded.
