Nigeria is seeking to attract ₦500 billion in investment over the next five years as part of an ambitious plan to accelerate the country’s digital health transformation and build a more integrated healthcare system. The announcement was made by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, during the 6th Africa Digital Health Summit (ADHS 2026) held in Abuja.
According to the minister, the investment will support the expansion of Nigeria’s National Digital Health Architecture (NDHA), a framework designed to unify health information systems across the country, improve interoperability, and enable the widespread adoption of electronic health records. The initiative has already received endorsement from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Salako noted that Nigeria’s healthcare sector must move beyond isolated pilot projects and focus on building scalable, nationally integrated digital solutions capable of delivering measurable impact. The government estimates that achieving this vision will require substantial capital and operational investments over the coming years.
The digital health agenda forms part of broader efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery, improve patient outcomes, and support evidence-based policymaking. By creating a connected healthcare ecosystem, authorities hope to enhance data sharing, reduce inefficiencies, and improve access to quality healthcare services nationwide.
Progress has already been recorded in several areas. Government assessments indicate that federal tertiary hospitals have achieved significant adoption of electronic medical record systems, while digital logistics platforms have been deployed across all 774 local government areas to improve vaccine supply chain management.
The announcement comes as digital health gains momentum across Africa, driven by growing internet penetration, mobile technology adoption, and increased demand for accessible healthcare services. Industry stakeholders view digital infrastructure as a critical foundation for achieving universal health coverage and improving healthcare outcomes across the continent.
For investors, technology firms, healthcare providers, and development partners, Nigeria’s ₦500 billion target signals a major opportunity to participate in one of Africa’s largest digital health modernization efforts. If successfully implemented, the initiative could reshape healthcare delivery for millions of Nigerians while positioning the country as a leader in health technology innovation across the region.
