…as Dr Maida reiterates initiative will boost patient outcomes and broader national digital economy
By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has officially commissioned a landmark e-Health Project at the State Specialist Hospital, Akure, in Ondo State, marking a bold step in the nation’s effort to integrate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into the health sector. The ceremony, which held on Thursday, May 29, 2025, attracted key stakeholders from the health and ICT sectors, as well as members of the Ondo State Government and healthcare professionals.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, emphasized the transformative potential of ICT in revolutionizing healthcare delivery across Nigeria. He noted that the project aligns with the Commission’s broader strategic objective of expanding the frontiers of Nigeria’s digital economy by leveraging technology to improve access, efficiency, and quality of health services.
“The completion of this e-Health Project is a testament to the Nigerian Communications Commission’s commitment to driving innovation, research, and growth in our nation’s digital economy,” Dr. Maida stated in his keynote address. “This is a two-pronged initiative. First, ICT can better integrate the health sector into the digital economy, allowing it to enjoy the ubiquity that other sectors already benefit from. Second, healthy citizens contribute more meaningfully to the digital economy as they access care from digital platforms.”
He added that the implementation of this cutting-edge e-Health solution would streamline medical processes, enhance the delivery of patient care, and improve the management of health records. According to him, the digitization of health services holds the promise of bridging longstanding gaps in medical access, especially in rural and underserved communities.
“With the State Specialist Hospital in Akure now equipped with innovative technology that enables healthcare professionals to deliver timely and accurate diagnoses, treatment plans, and follow-up care, we expect significant improvements in patient satisfaction and health outcomes,” Dr. Maida explained. “The benefits of this initiative go far beyond the hospital walls they extend to the larger community and set a technological precedent for other healthcare institutions nationwide.”
Dr. Maida also expressed optimism that the project will serve as a catalyst for the accelerated adoption of ICT solutions in the Nigerian healthcare ecosystem. He affirmed that the NCC is committed to supporting such transformative interventions, especially as they align with the national objectives of universal health coverage and digital inclusion.
“This project highlights what can be achieved when technology meets vision,” he said. “Our heartfelt gratitude goes to all stakeholders whose expertise, dedication, and unwavering support have helped bring this vision to life. This is only the beginning. We hope to replicate this success across more states and institutions in the coming months.”
The commissioning of the e-Health Project is part of the NCC’s broader mandate under the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), aimed at promoting equitable access to ICT services and bridging the digital divide in underserved communities. The integration of telemedicine, electronic health records, and digital consultation tools into the Akure hospital is expected to not only enhance operational efficiency but also offer a replicable model for smart healthcare in Nigeria.
Healthcare workers at the facility expressed enthusiasm about the new system, noting that it would greatly enhance the speed, precision, and coordination of medical care delivery. Community members present at the event commended the NCC for bringing technological innovation closer to the grassroots, with many expressing hope that the development would lead to better medical outcomes and reduce delays in critical interventions.
As Nigeria continues to align with global digital trends, the NCC’s investment in e-health infrastructure reinforces the growing importance of public-private collaboration in driving health innovation and ensuring that no community is left behind in the nation’s digital journey.
