The Federal Government has revealed ambitious plans to construct a comprehensive digital health infrastructure that will enable hospitals across Nigeria to incorporate Artificial Intelligence tools into everyday patient care services.
Three-Pillar Digital Foundation for AI Healthcare
At a recent capacity-building workshop on AI for public health organized by the Africa Hub for Innovation and Development and the West African Institute of Public Health, government officials outlined the strategic framework. Dr. Leke Ojiawole, Senior Technical Advisor to the Minister of Health and Social Welfare on Digital Health, explained that Nigeria is currently establishing the essential digital architecture needed to scale AI implementation in healthcare.
The system will operate on three fundamental pillars: a national client registry connected to the National Identity Number (NIN), a comprehensive health facility registry, and a detailed healthcare worker registry. Dr. Ojiawole emphasized that identifying the true identity of patients, the facilities treating them, and the healthcare providers delivering care forms the essential building blocks for health information exchange and AI-powered shared health records.
AI as Healthcare Enhancement, Not Replacement
Dr. Francis Ohanyido, Director-General of the West African Institute of Public Health, addressed concerns about AI replacing healthcare workers, clarifying that the technology will actually reward those who upgrade their skills while potentially displacing those who resist adaptation. He stressed that AI itself isn't coming to eliminate jobs, but rather professionals who fail to learn how to effectively utilize AI tools may find themselves at a disadvantage.
Dr. Ohanyido projected significant economic potential for Africa's AI industry, estimating it could be worth between $13 billion and $18 billion by 2030. He noted that Nigeria is positioned to lead this growth if it successfully builds a robust ecosystem. An effective AI implementation could not only boost economic growth but might even encourage the return of some healthcare professionals who have migrated abroad.
Legislative Support and Regulatory Framework
The National Assembly has pledged to enact new laws that will expand digital healthcare services, including telemedicine, electronic medical records, and AI-driven diagnostics. Senate President Godswill Akpabio, speaking at the 6th Legislative Summit on Health, committed to modernizing health laws to reflect global best practices and ensure the Basic Health Care Provision Fund reaches every community.
Akpabio underscored the critical urgency of stopping the exodus of health professionals from Nigeria, stating that the soul of any health system resides in its people. He described innovation not as an optional accessory but as an essential lifeline for the nation's healthcare system.
Dr. Bunmi Ajala, National Director of the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), highlighted the expanding role of AI in diagnostics, drug discovery, logistics management, personalized treatment, and epidemic intelligence. The government is adopting a human-in-the-loop model to ensure trust, safety, and accountability in AI implementation.
The workshop, founded by Dr. Kunle Kakanfo of the Africa Hub for Innovation and Development, trained participants from more than 40 health and development organizations on responsible AI applications in public health, signaling a coordinated effort to prepare Nigeria's healthcare sector for technological transformation.
