𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮’𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲

Nigeria’s push toward a modern digital health system is entering a decisive phase, with experts and policymakers stressing that the success of national reforms will depend largely on how state governments implement and sustain new technologies at the local level.

In recent years, the Federal Government has introduced several frameworks aimed at improving healthcare delivery through digital tools, including electronic medical records, telemedicine services, data integration platforms and nationwide health information systems. However, stakeholders say these policies can only translate into real improvements if states take ownership of implementation.

Health sector analysts note that while national strategies provide direction, Nigeria’s federal structure gives states primary responsibility for healthcare delivery. This means investments in infrastructure, training of health workers, and integration of digital platforms into hospitals and primary healthcare centres must be driven locally.

According to public health experts, disparities in funding, technical capacity and digital infrastructure across states remain major challenges. Some states have already made significant progress by deploying electronic patient records and digitising hospital operations, while others continue to rely heavily on manual systems.

Officials involved in the digital health reform say stronger collaboration between federal agencies and state ministries of health will be critical. They emphasise the need for shared standards to ensure interoperability, data security and patient privacy as digital systems expand nationwide.

Another key issue is connectivity, particularly in rural communities where internet access remains limited. Without reliable broadband and electricity, experts warn that digital health programmes may struggle to reach the populations that need them most.

Despite these challenges, proponents argue that decentralised implementation could be an advantage. States that adapt solutions to their local realities — from mobile health platforms to community-based digital reporting systems — may accelerate progress and reduce pressure on overcrowded tertiary hospitals.

Healthcare workers’ associations have also called for continuous training and support to ensure medical personnel can effectively use new technologies. They warn that without proper capacity building, expensive digital tools risk becoming underutilised.

As Nigeria seeks to strengthen its healthcare system and expand universal health coverage, policymakers say the coming years will be crucial. With national frameworks already in place, attention is now shifting to governors, state health commissioners and local administrators who will ultimately determine how quickly digital health becomes a reality for millions of Nigerians.

Observers believe that if states align their policies, invest strategically and build partnerships with the private sector, Nigeria could witness a major transformation in healthcare delivery — one driven not only from Abuja, but from every state across the federation.