Abuja, Nigeria (Running Africa) — Nigeria is seeking to attract ₦500 billion ($320 million) in investments over the next five years as it accelerates the rollout of a nationwide digital health system aimed at modernizing healthcare delivery and expanding access to medical services.
Speaking at the 6th Africa Digital Health Summit, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako said the country is transitioning from fragmented digital health pilot projects to a fully integrated national system through the National Digital Health Architecture (NDHA).
According to Salako, the framework has been adopted by all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, laying the foundation for a unified digital healthcare ecosystem across Nigeria.
The minister said 74.5% of Nigeria’s 79 federal tertiary hospitals have already implemented Electronic Medical Records (EMRs), while digital logistics platforms now support vaccine distribution and supply chain management across all 774 local government areas.
Despite the progress, significant challenges remain. Salako noted that 43% of Primary Healthcare Centres still lack reliable electricity, while nearly 60% of rural health facilities do not have internet connectivity. Other hurdles include poor interoperability between digital systems, a shortage of skilled digital health professionals, and continued dependence on donor funding.
He called on governments, private investors, technology companies, and development partners to align their investments with the NDHA, saying stronger collaboration will be critical to transforming healthcare delivery, strengthening health infrastructure, and advancing Universal Health Coverage across Nigeria.
