**FG Estimates N500bn Needed to Scale Digital Health in Nigeria**
A staggering N500 billion investment is required to upgrade Nigeria’s digital health infrastructure over the next five years, according to the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, **Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako**. He made this revelation at the 6th Africa Digital Health Summit (ADHS 2026) in Abuja.
The government’s call to action targets pension fund administrators, development partners, and private sector investors. The aim is to create a robust digital health system that enables Nigerians to access quality healthcare services from anywhere, at any time.
The Minister emphasized, “We need to bridge the gap between our digital health ambitions and the reality on the ground.”
Nigeria’s population is projected to reach 440 million by 2050, making it one of the fastest-growing countries in the world. With the majority of citizens living in underserved rural areas, access to healthcare remains a significant challenge.
Digital health technologies, such as telemedicine, electronic health records, and mobile health applications, have the potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery in Nigeria. However, these solutions require substantial investment in infrastructure, including high-speed internet connectivity, reliable power supply, and secure data storage.
**What this means**: The Nigerian government’s appeal for N500 billion investment will likely spark a national conversation about the need for digital infrastructure development. If successful, this could lead to improved healthcare outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and increased economic productivity in Nigeria.
The Minister’s warning that inadequate investment will result in the “unbridled growth of informal healthcare services” serves as a stark reminder that Nigeria cannot afford to lag behind in digital health development. The time to act is now, and the government is counting on the private sector and development partners to step up and support the country’s digital health ambitions.
As ADHS 2026 continues, expect more discussions around the critical role of digital health in Nigeria’s economic growth and social development. The question remains: will Nigeria be able to secure the necessary investment to become a model for digital health in Africa?
