President Bola Tinubu has been dragged to the Federal High Court in Abuja over a controversial bilateral health agreement between Nigeria and the United States.
The lawsuit, filed by lawyer, Okpi Bernard Adaafu, claims that the agreement signed on December 19, 2025, could allow sensitive Nigerian health data including medical records, blood samples, pathogen tests, and DNA/genetic sequencing to be transferred to the US. Adaafu argues that this could violate the National Health Act 2014, which protects patient confidentiality, and the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, which governs personal data and cross-border transfers.
In the case filed under FHC/ABJ/CS/549/2026, Adaafu is seeking a court order to suspend the agreement, which is slated to start on April 1, 2026. The defendants include President Tinubu, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House Tajudeen Abbas.
The plaintiff highlighted concerns about a related specimen-sharing agreement reportedly requiring Nigeria to supply biological samples to the US within five days of a request, with provisions that could last up to 25 years. He further claims the agreement breaches Section 37 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees citizens’ privacy, and raises alarm over statements suggesting the program would favor Christian faith-based healthcare institutions. Adaafu argues that any perceived religious bias in a national agreement is unnecessary, constitutionally questionable, and could fuel social tensions in Nigeria’s multi-faith society.
Another major point of contention is the exclusion of the National Assembly from the agreement process. Adaafu insists that international agreements with significant national implications must undergo legislative scrutiny and approval before implementation.
The lawyer is therefore asking the court to direct President Tinubu, the AGF, and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to renegotiate the agreement and submit any national health agreements with sweeping impact to the National Assembly for review and approval. He also seeks a court order compelling the release of the full text of the agreement to Nigerians to ensure transparency.