FG to Integrate Digital Identity into Healthcare, Targets Universal Health Coverage by 2030
The Federal Government has intensified efforts to integrate trusted digital identity into Nigeria’s healthcare system as part of measures to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030.
The initiative is designed to enhance healthcare delivery by connecting digital identity with patients’ medical records, health insurance enrolment, disease surveillance, and service delivery nationwide.
The commitment 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 opportunities created by the newly enacted NIMC Act, 2025.
Prof. Pate described the legislation as a major milestone that provides a strong legal framework for a secure and trusted digital identity system capable of supporting Nigeria’s digital health transformation under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to the minister, integrating digital identity into healthcare will improve patient identification, ensure continuity of care, facilitate interoperable electronic medical records, strengthen disease surveillance, and support data-driven health planning while safeguarding citizens’ health information.
He added that the initiative would also enhance enrolment and verification under the National Health Insurance programme, expanding access to healthcare and financial protection for millions of Nigerians.
Pate revealed that revitalised Primary Healthcare Centres across the country now record about 45 million patient visits every quarter, noting that a trusted digital identity system would improve efficiency in managing the increasing number of patients.
To ensure seamless implementation, the minister directed the immediate establishment of a joint technical working group comprising officials from the Ministry of Health, the Health Data and Digital Health Coordination Office, relevant agencies, and NIMC to coordinate execution, monitor progress, and develop performance dashboards.
He also stressed that the digital identity programme must be inclusive, ensuring persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups have equal access to healthcare services.
Speaking earlier, NIMC Director-General Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote said the new NIMC Act provides the legal foundation for secure digital authentication, interoperability, and trusted digital services across government institutions.
She reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to working closely with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to provide the digital identity infrastructure required to support ongoing health sector reforms and build a more efficient, transparent, and technology-driven healthcare system for all Nigerians.
