By Ayomide Otitoju
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has unveiled a roadmap focused on building a sustainable healthcare system that will provide quality, accessible and affordable services for residents beyond his administration.
Speaking at the Eko Health Convention 2026 held in Victoria Island, Lagos, with the theme “Building a Healthier Lagos: Connecting Access with Excellence,” Sanwo-Olu said the government is shifting from delivering individual healthcare projects to developing institutions and systems capable of sustaining quality healthcare delivery for future generations.
The governor said Lagos is committed to improving healthcare access through expanded health insurance coverage, upgraded infrastructure, digital innovation and stronger partnerships with stakeholders.
He disclosed that more than 1.5 million residents have enrolled in the state’s health insurance scheme, Ilera Eko, following the implementation of the National Health Insurance Authority Act, which mandates social health insurance coverage.
Sanwo-Olu also revealed that the Lagos State Health Management Agency’s Assistance in Distress initiative has saved 18 lives by ensuring emergency patients receive immediate treatment before payment is requested.
He said his administration has strengthened healthcare delivery over the past seven years by decentralising primary healthcare administration into six health districts, reducing waiting times and improving service efficiency.
The governor highlighted other interventions, including maternal and child health centres, mobile clinics and free healthcare campaigns aimed at expanding access to underserved communities.
On healthcare infrastructure, Sanwo-Olu said the state is investing in new general hospitals, climate-smart primary healthcare centres, a children’s hospital and a mental health institute at Ketu-Ejirin.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to tackling quackery and ensuring compliance with healthcare standards across the state.
The governor also announced progress on the Lagos Smart Health Information Platform (SHIP), a digital health records system being deployed across public healthcare facilities to improve patient management, disease monitoring and health planning.
Calling for stronger collaboration in the health sector, Sanwo-Olu urged private sector organisations, development partners and healthcare professionals to support Lagos’ vision of building a resilient healthcare system.
He also encouraged residents to enrol in health insurance, prioritise preventive healthcare and report unlicensed medical practitioners.
Speaking during a session at the convention, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, said the future of healthcare depends not only on modern facilities and technology but also on investing in healthcare workers.
Hamzat stressed the need to build a stronger and better-supported health workforce capable of meeting the needs of millions of Lagos residents.
He commended frontline healthcare workers for their dedication, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, describing their efforts as critical to the state’s response during the public health crisis.
The deputy governor described the convention as an important platform for collaboration among government agencies, healthcare professionals, private sector players and development partners.
Meanwhile, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to developing an efficient and accessible healthcare system while positioning Lagos as a leading medical tourism destination in Africa.
Abayomi said the state is expanding healthcare infrastructure and specialist services while creating opportunities to attract Nigerian medical professionals in the diaspora through improved facilities.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, said ongoing reforms are focused on strengthening the healthcare system and creating an environment where health workers can deliver improved services.
The convention also featured the presentation of Eko Health Awards to recognise healthcare professionals and officials for their contributions to improving healthcare delivery in Lagos.
