The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to revolutionizing healthcare delivery through digital innovation, artificial intelligence, and data systems, at the 5th Africa Digital Health Summit (ADHS 2025) in Lagos.
Middle (wearing red cap, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako Honourable Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare; 2nd Left: Dr. Kamil Shoretire Director Health Planning Research & Statistics Department FMoHSW & 3rd Right: Dr. Adebobola Adebashorun, Director & National Coordinator HIV/AIDS,Viral Hepatitis & STIs Control Programme FMoHSW.
Speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, described digital health as a critical enabler in the ongoing effort to reform Nigeria’s health sector.
According to a press statement signed by
Alaba Balogun, Head of Information and Public Relations on Sunday, the minister said digital technologies are essential to achieving universal health coverage, reducing financial hardship, and improving healthcare outcomes across the continent.
The 2- day summit held in Lagos with the theme “Strengthening Health Systems Through Digital Innovation, Data, and AI,” brought together policymakers, innovators, academics, development partners, and investors under one roof.
Dr. Salako applauded Premier Medical Systems and its founder, Dr. Niyi Osamiluyi, for creating a platform that showcases transformative digital tools such as telemedicine, AI diagnostics, electronic medical records, and mobile health applications.
“The Nigeria Digital in Health Initiative (NDHI),” Salako announced, “has been launched to drive President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of ensuring every Nigerian accesses healthcare wherever they are without financial hardship.” The initiative, he noted, will create millions of jobs by leveraging the ingenuity of Nigerian youth while setting standards and ensuring interoperability of digital solutions.
The Minister emphasized that the private sector remains the backbone of this transformation, calling on innovators and investors to deepen their commitment as the government creates a conducive policy and investment climate.
Salako also acknowledged the collaborative roles of sub-national governments and commissioners of health, urging states to align with federal efforts to ensure scalability and national impact.
He stressed that under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, health is a fundamental human right, and digital health solutions must prioritize equity, accessibility, and sustainability.
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The Minister raised concerns over rising cyber threats and data privacy breaches in healthcare systems. “We must robustly ring fence our digital health systems from cyber attacks and misuse of patient data,” he warned, announcing that a National Stakeholders Dialogue on Power in Health would hold later this year to address energy challenges in healthcare digitalization.
He added by declaring the summit open, calling for continued collaboration across sectors to unlock Africa’s potential through scalable, inclusive, and secure digital health innovations.
