The Federal Government has intensified efforts to integrate trusted digital identity into Nigeria’s healthcare system as part of broader reforms aimed at improving healthcare delivery, expanding financial protection and accelerating the country’s drive towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030.
The renewed push was reaffirmed during a strategic meeting between the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and the Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, following a presentation on the implementation opportunities created by the newly enacted National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act, 2025.
Speaking at the meeting, Pate described the new legislation as a landmark reform that strengthens Nigeria’s legal and institutional framework for a secure, trusted and sovereign digital identity ecosystem.
He said the Act presents a significant opportunity to accelerate digital transformation in the health sector in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to the minister, digital technology remains a key enabler of the Federal Government’s health sector reforms by improving governance, enhancing health outcomes, strengthening the healthcare value chain and boosting national health security.
Pate explained that integrating trusted digital identity into healthcare delivery would improve patient identification, ensure continuity of care, facilitate interoperable electronic medical records, strengthen disease surveillance and support evidence-based planning across the health sector.
He added that the initiative would also speed up enrolment and beneficiary verification under the National Health Insurance programme, thereby expanding financial protection for millions of Nigerians and bringing the country closer to achieving Universal Health Coverage by 2030.
The minister noted that with about 45 million patient visits recorded every quarter across revitalised Primary Healthcare Centres nationwide, a trusted digital identity system would enhance service delivery while ensuring the security and privacy of citizens’ data.
To fast-track implementation, Pate directed the establishment of a joint technical working group comprising officials from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Health Data and Digital Health Coordination Office, relevant health agencies and the National Identity Management Commission.
He said the committee would coordinate implementation, monitor progress and develop performance dashboards to support evidence-based decision-making across the health sector.
The minister also stressed the need for an inclusive digital identity ecosystem that accommodates all Nigerians, including persons living with disabilities, to ensure that no one is excluded from the country’s digital and healthcare transformation.
Earlier, NIMC Director-General, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, said the newly enacted NIMC Act provides a robust legal framework for secure digital authentication, interoperability and trusted digital services across government institutions.
She reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in providing the digital identity infrastructure required to support the successful implementation of Nigeria’s ongoing health sector reforms.
The collaboration, according to both agencies, reflects the Federal Government’s whole-of-government approach to reform, recognising trusted digital identity as a critical tool for delivering efficient, transparent and people-centred healthcare services while strengthening Nigeria’s journey towards Universal Health Coverage.
