Nigeria has reaffirmed its determination to accelerate digital innovation in the health sector, as the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, delivered a keynote address at the 2025 HIMSS Eurasia HealthTech Conference & Exhibition held on November 26, 2025, in Belek–Antalya, Turkey.
Speaking before global health technology leaders, innovators, and development partners, Dr. Salako restated Nigeria’s commitment to building a resilient, technology-driven, and people-centered health system in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda for the sector.
The Minister commended the Turkish Ministry of Health and the HIMSS Eurasia organizing committee for convening a platform that fosters collaboration among global health stakeholders. He noted that conference themes such as digital hospitals, robotics, artificial intelligence, genomics, and data-driven innovation strongly align with Nigeria’s priorities under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.
According to a press statement signed by Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director and Head of Information and Public Relations, Dr. Salako emphasized that the global health landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by population growth, emerging diseases, and increasing expectations for quality care. He said the transformation of health systems is now essential, not optional, and Nigeria is fully embracing this shift.
He explained that the Federal Government is implementing a strategic health agenda built on four pillars: improved governance, enhanced service delivery, unlocking the healthcare value chain, and strengthening health security. Central to this agenda is the deployment of digital health solutions to improve service delivery, public health surveillance, and overall system coordination.
Dr. Salako outlined ongoing investments in interoperable health systems, strong data governance, and innovations designed to expand access, especially in rural and underserved communities. He also highlighted growing collaborations with private-sector innovators, start-ups, and international partners.
A major component of Nigeria’s digital health drive is the Nigeria Digital in Health Initiative (NDHI), which is guiding the development of the National Digital Health Architecture (NDHA)—a unified blueprint aimed at eliminating fragmentation and standardizing digital health operations nationwide.
Foundational infrastructure such as the Health Information Exchange, shared health records, and national registries are also being developed to strengthen identity management, service delivery, and workforce planning.
Describing HIMSS Eurasia as a strategic platform for forging partnerships, attracting investors, and exploring scalable innovations, Dr. Salako expressed delight at Africa’s strong representation at the conference, noting the continent’s shared ambition to leapfrog outdated systems through technology.
With global health entering an era shaped by artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced analytics, the Minister underscored the need for equity, affordability, context-appropriate solutions, and respect for national data sovereignty, especially for developing countries.
CILT Nigeria Prioritises Legislative Recognition, Modernisation to Drive National Logistics Reform
“Our world is connected, and so is our health,” he said. “Together, through partnerships such as this, we can build a healthier, more resilient, and more inclusive world.”
He expressed optimism that the conference would be engaging, insightful, and impactful for all participants.
About The Author
