FG Unveils Ambitious Digital Health Agenda at Africa Summit, Touts Innovation as Key to Healthcare Reform
Pan Afric Reporters Lagos, Nigeria – June 29, 2025
In a bold move to transform Nigeria’s healthcare landscape, the Federal Government has unveiled a sweeping digital health initiative aimed at improving access, affordability, and outcomes through innovation, artificial intelligence (AI), and data-driven solutions.
The announcement was made at the 5th Africa Digital Health Summit (ADHS 2025), which concluded yesterday in Lagos. Themed “Strengthening Health Systems Through Digital Innovation, Data, and AI,” the two-day summit gathered top policymakers, health innovators, development partners, academics, and investors to chart the future of healthcare on the continent.
Delivering the keynote address, the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako according to a press release e-signed by the ministry’s Deputy Director Information and Public Relations Alaba Balogun described digital health as “a critical enabler” of universal health coverage and a pillar of Nigeria’s health sector reform.
“Our goal is to ensure that every Nigerian can access quality healthcare wherever they are, without financial hardship,” said Dr. Salako. “Digital innovation is not just an option—it is the path to equity, efficiency, and sustainability.”
Dr. Salako announced the launch of the Nigeria Digital in Health Initiative (NDHI)—a flagship program under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda—which aims to harness technology to deliver inclusive healthcare, create millions of jobs, and promote youth-led innovation.
He lauded Premier Medical Systems and its founder, Dr. Niyi Osamiluyi, for showcasing transformative tools such as telemedicine platforms, AI-powered diagnostics, electronic medical records, and mobile health applications.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to creating an enabling policy and investment climate, Dr. Salako emphasized the vital role of the private sector, calling on innovators and investors to scale up their engagement.
The Minister also highlighted the need for synergy between federal and sub-national governments to ensure national scalability of digital health efforts. “States must align with our digital health agenda to ensure that no one is left behind,” he urged.
While celebrating progress, Dr. Salako warned of growing cyber threats and data privacy breaches in the healthcare space. “We must protect our systems and patient data from cyberattacks and misuse,” he cautioned, revealing plans for a National Stakeholders Dialogue on Power in Health later this year, to tackle energy challenges in healthcare digitalization.
Declaring the summit open, Dr. Salako called for “unwavering collaboration” across sectors to unlock Africa’s vast potential through secure, scalable, and inclusive digital health innovations.
The Africa Digital Health Summit continues to serve as a vital platform for shaping policy, showcasing innovation, and fostering partnerships aimed at building resilient health systems across the continent.
