The Lagos State Government has announced a shift from focusing mainly on healthcare projects to building durable systems that can provide quality, affordable and accessible medical services for residents over the long term.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu disclosed the new direction at the 2026 Eko Health Convention in Victoria Island, Lagos. The convention was themed “Building a Healthier Lagos: Connecting Access with Excellence,” with “Leveraging Digital Innovation and Strategic Partnerships for Better Outcomes” as its sub-theme.
Sanwo-Olu said the government’s strategy would combine wider health insurance coverage, improved infrastructure, digital transformation, stronger regulation and partnerships with private-sector and development organisations.
He disclosed that more than 1.5 million residents had enrolled in the state’s Ilera Eko health insurance scheme following the domestication of the National Health Insurance Authority Act, which makes social health insurance compulsory for residents. The state has also introduced flexible payment arrangements and support mechanisms for vulnerable residents.
The governor said the Assistance in Distress initiative of the Lagos State Health Management Agency had helped save 18 lives by ensuring that emergency patients received treatment before payment was requested. He added that the administration had decentralised primary healthcare management into six health districts, helping to reduce waiting times and improve service delivery.
Other interventions highlighted at the convention included maternal and child health centres, mobile clinics and free medical services during health campaigns. The government is also investing in new general hospitals, climate-smart primary healthcare centres, a children’s hospital and a mental health facility at Ketu-Ejirin.
Sanwo-Olu announced that the Lagos Smart Health Information Platform (SHIP) is being deployed across public healthcare facilities. The digital records and health information exchange system is expected to improve patient management, disease surveillance, data sharing and healthcare planning.
Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat said sustainable healthcare would depend not only on modern hospitals and medical technology but also on the quality and welfare of the workforce delivering care. He commended frontline health workers for their dedication, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and called for continued investment in training, equipment and professional support.
Commissioner for Health Akin Abayomi said Lagos was expanding specialist services and healthcare infrastructure as part of its plan to become one of Africa’s leading medical tourism destinations. He added that the government was creating opportunities for Nigerian medical professionals in the diaspora to return and practise advanced specialties in the state.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Health Kemi Ogunyemi said the next phase of the reforms would focus on completing flagship projects, expanding digital health and artificial intelligence applications, strengthening disease surveillance, widening universal health coverage and investing in healthcare workers and strategic partnerships.[8]
The convention also featured the Eko Health Awards, which recognised outstanding officers and contributors to Lagos’ health sector. Participants agreed that sustained collaboration among government, healthcare professionals, technology providers, private investors and development partners would be essential to building a resilient, people-centred health system.