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Nigeria to strengthen legal frameworks to improve public health data governance

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. ks-to-improve-public-health-data-governance.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, August 25th 2025 at 5:53 GMT by Nigerian Tribune
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Nigeria’s Drive to Overhaul Public‑Health Data Governance: A Comprehensive Summary

Nigeria’s public‑health sector has long struggled with fragmented data collection, poor data quality, and inadequate policy frameworks that hinder timely and evidence‑based decision‑making. In a bold move to rectify these systemic shortcomings, the federal government has announced a comprehensive strategy to strengthen the legal and regulatory foundations that govern health data across the country. The initiative, highlighted in a recent Tribune Online article, seeks to embed robust data governance mechanisms into the national health system, ensuring that data generated at every level—from primary care facilities to tertiary hospitals—can be reliably captured, shared, and leveraged for public‑health interventions.

1. The Rationale for a New Legal Framework

At the heart of the announcement lies a recognition that Nigeria’s existing health‑information architecture is fragmented across several overlapping statutes and sectoral policies. The 2014 National Health Policy, the 2018 National Health Act, and various state‑level ordinances have each addressed aspects of health data collection, but no single legal instrument harmonizes the entire data lifecycle. This disjunction leads to:

• Inconsistent data definitions that make cross‑facility comparisons difficult.
• Fragmented data sharing agreements that impede rapid dissemination of outbreak information.
• Weak accountability mechanisms for ensuring data privacy and integrity.

The government’s new legal blueprint aims to close these gaps by instituting a unified, rights‑based approach that aligns with Nigeria’s obligations under the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) and global best practices in health data governance.

2. Key Legal Instruments Under Development

a. Health Information System Bill (HISB)

The centerpiece of the reform agenda is the Health Information System Bill, which seeks to formalize the establishment of a national health‑information platform. The bill proposes:

• Creation of a National Health Information Authority (NHIA) tasked with overseeing data standards, interoperability, and quality control.
• Mandatory reporting of all clinical encounters to a central database, using a standardized case‑reporting format.
• Data sharing protocols that ensure information flows seamlessly between federal, state, and local health departments, as well as between public and private health facilities.

In addition, the bill includes provisions for the use of advanced technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence to enhance data traceability and analytics.

b. Data Protection and Privacy Bill

To complement the HISB, a separate Data Protection Bill is being drafted to address privacy concerns. Key elements include:

• Consent mechanisms that allow patients to opt‑in or opt‑out of certain data uses.
• Data anonymization requirements for secondary analyses.
• Penalties for breaches that will deter non‑compliance and protect citizens’ rights.

The bill’s alignment with the African Union’s e‑Health Guidelines will further strengthen Nigeria’s position as a leader in the region.

c. Public Health Act Revision

While the 2014 Public Health Act has served as the cornerstone for disease control, it contains dated provisions that do not adequately cover modern data‑driven surveillance. The proposed revision seeks to:

• Mandate the use of digital tools for real‑time disease reporting.
• Empower the NHIA to enforce data‑sharing obligations during public‑health emergencies.
• Incorporate penalties for facilities that fail to submit required reports.

3. Stakeholder Engagement and Implementation Strategy

The Tribune article underscores that the reform will be a collaborative effort involving multiple stakeholders:

• Ministry of Health (MoH): Will lead the policy drafting and oversee the implementation of the NHIA.
• National Health Bill Committee: Includes representatives from academia, the private sector, and civil society to provide technical and ethical guidance.
• State Health Bureaus: Will adapt state‑level legislation to dovetail with the national framework.
• International Partners: The World Health Organization (WHO), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the African Union will offer technical assistance and funding support.

A phased roll‑out is planned, beginning with pilot programmes in three states—Lagos, Kano, and Rivers—before scaling nationwide. Each phase will involve:

1. Infrastructure readiness assessment (electronic health‑records systems, internet connectivity).
2. Capacity‑building workshops for health workers on data entry and privacy compliance.
3. Pilot data‑sharing agreements that test interoperability between public and private facilities.

4. Expected Outcomes and Impact on Public Health

The legal reforms are expected to produce tangible benefits across several domains:

• Improved Surveillance: Faster identification of disease outbreaks, enabling earlier response and containment.
• Enhanced Resource Allocation: Data‑driven insights will help policymakers allocate budgets and supplies where they are most needed.
• Better Health Outcomes: Reliable data will support evidence‑based interventions, ultimately reducing morbidity and mortality.
• Increased Trust: Clear privacy safeguards will foster public confidence in the health system, encouraging higher reporting rates and vaccine uptake.

In addition, the harmonized data infrastructure will position Nigeria to meet the data requirements of the Global Health Security Agenda and to contribute more effectively to regional health initiatives.

5. Challenges and Risks

While the reforms promise significant gains, the article also highlights several potential hurdles:

• Technical Barriers: Many rural facilities still lack reliable electricity and internet connectivity, posing a risk to data collection continuity.
• Financial Constraints: The rollout will require sustained investment for hardware, software, and training; securing this funding remains uncertain.
• Cultural Resistance: Health workers accustomed to paper‑based systems may resist transitioning to digital platforms.
• Legal and Ethical Concerns: Balancing data utility with privacy protection will require careful oversight to avoid misuse or overreach.

Mitigation strategies involve leveraging public‑private partnerships, phased budgeting, and continuous stakeholder engagement to ensure smooth adoption.

6. Broader Context and International Links

The article links to the Nigeria Health Information System (NHIS) website, which provides background on the current state of health data in the country. It also references the WHO’s “Data for Decision Making in Public Health” guide, underscoring Nigeria’s alignment with global best practices. Furthermore, a cited link to the African Union’s “Health Data Governance Framework” offers insights into regional harmonization efforts.

These resources illustrate that Nigeria’s reforms are not isolated; they are part of a continental and global push toward data‑driven health systems. By aligning its legal framework with international standards, Nigeria signals its commitment to strengthening public‑health resilience and achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3—ensuring healthy lives and promoting well‑being for all.

7. Conclusion

Nigeria’s announcement to strengthen legal frameworks for public‑health data governance marks a pivotal step toward modernizing the country’s health system. By introducing the Health Information System Bill, reinforcing data protection laws, and revising the Public Health Act, the government is laying the groundwork for a robust, interoperable, and privacy‑respecting data ecosystem. The initiative’s success will hinge on meticulous implementation, stakeholder collaboration, and sustained investment—but if realized, it promises to transform how health information shapes policy, drives resource allocation, and ultimately improves the health of Nigerians across the nation.