The Federal Government has stepped up efforts to integrate digital identity into Nigeria’s healthcare system as part of reforms aimed at improving healthcare delivery and achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030.
The renewed push was reaffirmed during a meeting between the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, and the Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Abisoye Coker-Odusote, following a presentation on opportunities created by the newly enacted NIMC Act, 2025.
Professor Pate described the legislation as a major reform that strengthens Nigeria’s digital identity framework and supports the Federal Government’s drive to transform healthcare through technology.
He said integrating trusted digital identity into healthcare would improve patient identification, enhance continuity of care, support interoperable electronic medical records, strengthen disease surveillance and promote evidence-based planning across the health sector.
According to the minister, the initiative will also accelerate enrolment and beneficiary verification under the National Health Insurance programme, expanding financial protection for millions of Nigerians.
He noted that with about 45 million patient visits recorded every quarter at revitalised primary healthcare centres, a trusted digital identity system would improve service delivery while safeguarding citizens’ data.
To drive implementation, the minister 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 NIMC.
The team will oversee implementation, monitor progress and develop performance dashboards to support data-driven decision-making.
Pate also stressed the need for an inclusive digital identity system that caters for all Nigerians, including persons living with disabilities.
Earlier, NIMC Director-General Abisoye Coker-Odusote said the NIMC Act, 2025, provides the legal framework for secure digital authentication, interoperability and trusted digital services across government.
She reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to supporting the health ministry with the digital identity infrastructure needed to advance Nigeria’s healthcare reforms.
The collaboration forms part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to leverage digital technology to improve healthcare delivery, strengthen transparency and expand access to quality health services nationwide.
