By Dr Stanley Cookey, health sector lead, Verraki (A member of Andersen Consulting)
For decades, conversations about Nigeria’s healthcare system have focused on physical infrastructure, more hospitals, more beds, more equipment.
While these remain critical, they are no longer sufficient.
Nigeria’s healthcare future will be shaped as much by digital infrastructure as by physical assets.
With over 240 million people and rising healthcare demand, the system is under increasing strain. Yet, public investment remains limited, and access gaps persist, particularly outside major urban centres.
This is where digital health is beginning to redefine the equation.
Telemedicine, digital pharmacies, electronic medical records, and health data platforms emerge as scalable solutions to longstanding access and efficiency challenges. With growing smartphone penetration and internet access, these models are enabling care delivery beyond the constraints of physical infrastructure.
According to Verraki’s recent report on private sector investment in healthcare, digital health is one of six high-growth segments attracting increasing investor interest, alongside diagnostics, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and supply chain services.
But the opportunity goes beyond access.
Digital platforms can improve care coordination, enable data-driven decision-making, and create new business models across the healthcare value chain. They also offer investors relatively asset-light entry points compared to traditional infrastructure-heavy investments.
However, scaling digital health in Nigeria is not without challenges. Fragmented data systems, regulatory uncertainty, and limited interoperability remain significant barriers.
To unlock the full potential of digital health, Nigeria will need stronger policy alignment, investment in digital infrastructure, and clear standards for data governance and interoperability.
The shift is already underway. The question is how quickly stakeholders can align to accelerate it.
Verraki’s full report explores how digital health and the broader healthcare ecosystem can evolve to meet Nigeria’s growing demand while creating sustainable investment opportunities.
Visit www.verraki.africa to download the full report.
