Abuja, Nigeria – The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, represented by the Director of National Artificial Intelligence, Dr. Kayode Ajala, has affirmed that the recent unveiling of Telemedicine and Digital Healthcare solutions by Uniccon marks a significant step in the operationalization of Nigeria’s National AI Policy.

Highlighting the critical role of digital infrastructure in achieving these objectives, Dr. Ajala noted the federal government’s commitment to expanding connectivity across the country. In partnership with the World Bank, an additional 90,000 km of fiber optic cable will be deployed, complementing the existing 45,000 km already in place.

 This initiative, alongside the ongoing 774 Project, represents a game-changing effort to improve connectivity, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Dr. Ajala emphasized that infrastructure alone is not sufficient; strong policy support is equally crucial for fostering digital health innovation. “The integration of interoperable systems, robust data governance frameworks, national health information exchanges, payment platforms, and identification systems are all foundational to building a resilient digital health ecosystem.”

“The launch of SmartMedic by Uniccon further underscores Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging AI to drive healthcare innovation. By adopting a collaborative and inclusive approach, Nigeria is drawing lessons from global best practices while creating tailored solutions that address local healthcare challenges.

Looking forward, Uniccon and other stakeholders are encouraged to expand the reach of digital health solutions to vulnerable populations, strengthen interoperability across national health systems, and continue advocacy for policies that promote safe and effective AI deployment in healthcare.

“This milestone reflects Nigeria’s determination to harness the power of digital technology and artificial intelligence to transform healthcare delivery, improve accessibility, and support sustainable growth across multiple sectors.”

The National Data Protection Commission highlighted Collaboration for Nigeria’s Digital Health Innovation 

The National Commissioner of the National Data Protection Commission (NDPC),  Dr. Vincent Okatunji emphasized the critical role of data protection and stakeholder collaboration in advancing Nigeria’s digital health innovation space.  

The representative highlighted ongoing initiatives such as the Declaration on Digital Health, the Google AI Academy, and bilateral agreements as evidence of Nigeria’s growing commitment to safe and innovative digital health solutions.

“Our approach seeks a careful balance between innovation and regulation. Unlike Europe’s GDPR, Nigeria is developing a flexible framework that encourages growth while protecting citizens’ data,” the representative stated

He said that technology alone isn’t enough and that it’s crucial for stakeholders to work together to build affordable and accessible digital health ecosystems. He also stress Wested the need for data protection, ethical standards, and trust-building in digital health initiatives.

The former Imo State First Lady and Founder of the Divine Destiny Initiative, Nkechi Rochas, Nkechi Rochas called for urgent investment in digital healthcare infrastructure to bridge the gap between urban and rural healthcare access. 

Rochas emphasized that telemedicine and digital health access are no longer distant concepts but essential tools for delivering quality healthcare to all Nigerians. “Digital health access is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity. Every child deserves quality healthcare, and we must invest in infrastructure that connects rural communities,” she stated.

Earlier in his address, the Chairman of UNICCON Group, Prof. Chuks Ekwueme, reaffirmed the transformative impact of My Smart Medics, a groundbreaking digital health platform currently gaining traction not only in Nigeria but also across international borders.

Prof. Ekwueme noted that while challenges such as digital literacy and public skepticism still exist, the potential of telemedicine to bridge Nigeria’s healthcare gap remains immense. He emphasized that My Smart Medics was developed with the Nigerian context in mind, making it particularly suited to address the nation’s doctor-patient ratio crisis.

“Digital health is no longer optional; it is a necessity,” he stated. “Platforms like My Smart Medics will significantly reduce the strain on our healthcare system and provide Nigerians—especially those in rural communities—with access to specialist care that would otherwise be out of reach.”

He highlighted the platform’s holistic approach, combining artificial intelligence, telemedicine services, and innovative hardware solutions to strengthen the Nigerian healthcare ecosystem. The system’s exportable electronic medical records and AI-driven analytics were identified as major advancements capable of predicting and preventing health complications before they escalate.

Prof. Ekwueme also underscored the importance of connectivity, explaining that the device is built to function even in areas with limited network coverage. With satellite and cellular connectivity options, My Smart Medics is designed to reach underserved and remote communities. He described this as a vital step toward democratizing access to healthcare regardless of location or socioeconomic status.

Addressing questions on affordability, scalability, and sustainability, Prof. Ekwueme explained that My Smart Medics is “testing the boundaries of digital health in Nigeria” and will continue to expand its reach. He encouraged stakeholders to collaborate in supporting the platform’s rollout across more African countries.

He further disclosed innovative features in development, including drone delivery integration for medical supplies, interoperability with external health systems, and enhanced emergency-response workflows aimed at connecting patients to the nearest available healthcare facility as quickly as possible.

“The future of healthcare is changing rapidly, and Nigeria is positioned to lead this digital revolution,” Prof. Ekwueme concluded. “Collaboration between government agencies, private partners, and innovators will be key to unlocking the full potential of this initiative.”

High point of the event, was official unveiling of MySmartMedic by dignitaries present at the occasion.