As Nigeria explores the potential of artificial intelligence to address its healthcare challenges, experts are emphasizing the need for regulations to safeguard patients and ensure the technology is developed and deployed responsibly. The Africa Hub for Innovation & Development (AHFID) recently organized a media chat ahead of the Artificial Intelligence in Health Summit 2026, which will take place in Abuja on October 19-20, 2026.
According to Dr. Kunle Kakanfo, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of AHFID, AI can help address critical gaps in Nigeria's healthcare workforce, improve diagnosis, and expand access to care. However, he stressed that AI will not replace doctors or solve Nigeria's healthcare crisis on its own. Kakanfo noted that AI can improve efficiency and access, but it must be developed and deployed within a clear regulatory framework to ensure patient safety.
One of the significant challenges facing Nigeria's healthcare system is the high burden of tuberculosis, with an estimated 510,000 cases annually. AI-powered computer vision can assist with tuberculosis screening by analyzing chest X-rays, potentially easing the pressure created by shortages of radiographers and radiologists. Additionally, Nigeria's dependence on out-of-pocket healthcare spending is a major concern, with over 70% of Nigerians paying for healthcare directly from their pockets.
Interestingly, AI adoption in Nigerian healthcare may already be more advanced than official policy suggests. Kakanfo revealed that doctors are already using generative AI tools, including ChatGPT, to support aspects of their work. A study has indicated high levels of ChatGPT use among doctors, making the creation of governance frameworks and professional safeguards urgent.
A major concern is the country's dependence on AI models trained largely on foreign datasets, which may not produce accurate results for Nigerian or African populations. Kakanfo called for greater investment in locally generated health data and Nigerian-owned AI models. An initiative in hospitals in the Federal Capital Territory is collecting cough sounds to develop AI models for tuberculosis detection, which could potentially be used for other conditions.
Dr. Abiola Oshunniyi, senior technical adviser to the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), emphasized the need to bridge the gap between Nigeria's growing technology ecosystem and its healthcare needs. He noted that discussions around AI should feed into existing health policies, legislation, and national planning. Oshunniyi also highlighted the potential for AI in disease surveillance, predicting outbreaks, and improving medical countermeasures.
The Artificial Intelligence in Health Summit 2026 aims to examine issues including AI regulation, data sovereignty, and validation of medical AI tools. The summit's intended outcome is a national roadmap for AI and healthcare, alongside policy recommendations and commitments from participating organizations. Government agencies, technology institutions, healthcare stakeholders, and development partners are expected to participate, with organizations like WHO, UNICEF, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative involved in supporting the initiative.
Key points
- Experts emphasize the need for regulations to safeguard patients as Nigeria adopts AI in healthcare.
- Nigeria's dependence on foreign-trained AI models may not produce accurate results for local populations.
- The Artificial Intelligence in Health Summit 2026 aims to develop a national roadmap for AI and healthcare in Nigeria.
