ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal Government is accelerating the integration of trusted digital identity into Nigeria’s healthcare system to improve service delivery, expand financial protection and support the country’s goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage by 2030.
Okay News reports that the initiative was discussed during a strategic meeting between Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Muhammad Ali Pate and NIMC Director-General Abisoye Coker-Odusote.
The engagement followed a presentation on opportunities created by the newly enacted National Identity Management Commission Act, 2025. Pate described the legislation as a major reform that could support Nigeria’s digital health transformation under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The minister said integrating secure digital identity into healthcare would improve patient identification, strengthen continuity of care and support interoperable electronic medical records. It is also expected to improve disease surveillance and evidence-based planning across the health system.
Pate said the initiative would help speed up enrolment and beneficiary verification under the National Health Insurance programme, potentially expanding financial protection for millions of Nigerians.
He noted that about 45 million patient visits are recorded every quarter across revitalised Primary Healthcare Centres, adding that digital identity could make service delivery more efficient while protecting citizens’ personal data.
To accelerate implementation, the minister directed the creation of a joint technical working group involving the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Health Data and Digital Health Coordination Office, relevant health agencies and NIMC.
The team will coordinate implementation, track progress and develop performance dashboards to support data-driven decision-making. Pate also stressed that the system must be inclusive and accessible to all Nigerians, including persons living with disabilities.
Coker-Odusote said the NIMC Act, 2025 provides the legal framework for secure digital authentication, interoperability and trusted digital services across government.
She reaffirmed NIMC’s commitment to working with the health ministry to provide the digital identity infrastructure required for the reforms. The Federal Government said the collaboration reflects its whole-of-government approach to building a more connected and people-centred healthcare system.
