Who Controls Your Medical Records in Nigeria? Unpacking Health Data Ownership

A quiet but critical debate is emerging in Nigeria’s healthcare space about who owns patient medical records. Existing laws set rules on confidentiality and data protection but do not clearly define ownership of health data. Reports show that much of Nigeria’s HIV data is stored on systems supported by foreign agencies. This raises questions about national control and transparency. Digital record adoption remains low. Fewer than 20 percent of health facilities use electronic systems, leaving most patient data on paper and inconsistently managed. Experts warn that unclear ownership and weak infrastructure leave sensitive health data vulnerable. There are calls for stronger enforcement of data protection laws, improved digital systems, and clearer rules for international data sharing.

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