Background:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming health systems globally, offering opportunities for improved diagnosis, data use, and service delivery. In 2024, Nigeria launched its National AI Strategy (NAIS), a milestone in shaping AI governance. While the NAIS sets broad pillars for ethics, governance, and sectoral adoption, it does not explicitly address healthcare. Given the sensitivity of health data, risks of bias in clinical algorithms, and the urgent need for equitable access, this omission represents a critical policy gap. This study identified governance gaps, equity concerns, and opportunities for embedding healthcare into AI strategies.