The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has reiterated his administration’s focus – shift from delivering healthcare projects to building enduring systems that will guarantee quality, accessible and affordable healthcare for generations.
Governor Sanwo-Olu made this known on Thursday at the Eko Health Convention 2026 held at Victoria Island, themed: “Building a Healthier Lagos: Connecting Access with Excellence”.
According to him, his administration’s goal is to build institutions and systems that will continue to deliver quality healthcare to Lagos residents.
The Eko Health Convention brought together key stakeholders, including the First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, to discuss strategies for transforming healthcare delivery in Lagos, with participants focusing on strengthening the health systems and improving access to quality healthcare for residents.
Sanwo-Olu further said that the Lagos State Government is committed to connecting access with excellence through expanded health insurance, improved infrastructure, digital innovation and stronger partnerships.
The governor disclosed that more than 1.5 million Lagos residents had enrolled in the State’s Health Insurance Scheme, Ilera Eko, following the domestication of the National Health Insurance Authority Act, which makes Social Health Insurance mandatory for all residents.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also disclosed that the Lagos State Health Management Agency’s Assistance in Distress initiative had saved 18 lives since becoming operational by ensuring emergency patients receive treatment before payment is requested.
He said his administration in the last seven years had strengthened access to healthcare in the state by decentralising primary healthcare administration into six health districts, reducing patient waiting time and improving service delivery.
Sanwo-Olu added that maternal and child centres, mobile clinics and free healthcare services during health campaigns had expanded access to underserved communities.
Speaking on healthcare infrastructure by his administration, Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted ongoing investments in new general hospitals, climate-smart primary health centres, a children’s hospital and a mental institute at Ketu-Ejirin, reiterating the government’s zero tolerance for quackery and substandard healthcare practices.
The governor also announced progress on the Lagos Smart Health Information Platform (SHIP), a digital health records system being deployed across public health facilities to improve patient care, disease surveillance and healthcare planning.
The governor, while stressing the need for partnership in the health sector, called on the private sector, development partners and healthcare professionals to support Lagos State’s vision of building a resilient healthcare system.
He also urged Lagos residents to enrol in health insurance, embrace preventive healthcare and report unlicensed medical practitioners.
Speaking in a one-on-one conversation moderated by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Dayo Lajide, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, said the future of healthcare in Lagos depends not only on modern facilities and medical technology but also on investing in the people who provide the daily care.
Dr Hamzat said the Lagos State Government remained committed to raising healthcare standards across the state, noting that achieving that required building a stronger, better-equipped and well-supported health workforce capable of delivering quality care to millions of residents.
The deputy governor also paid tribute to frontline healthcare workers for their dedication and resilience, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying their commitment, courage and professionalism helped the state respond effectively during one of the most challenging public health crises in recent history.
Dr Hamzat described the convention as an important platform for collaboration among government, healthcare professionals, private sector partners and development organisations, stressing that sustainable improvements in healthcare can only be achieved through collective action.
Also speaking at the event, which featured the presentation of Eko Health Awards to performing officers in Lagos State, including Governor Sanwo-Olu for their impact in the health seçtor, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to building a more accessible, affordable and efficient healthcare system, with plans to position the state as a leading medical tourism destination in Africa.
Abayomi said the Lagos State Government is steadily expanding its healthcare infrastructure and specialist services as part of efforts to become one of Africa’s top medical tourism destinations.
The commissioner said the state government is creating an enabling environment to attract Nigerian healthcare professionals in the diaspora by providing facilities where they can practise advanced medical specialities.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, in her remark, said the Lagos State Government is implementing reforms aimed at strengthening the healthcare system and creating an enabling environment for health workers to thrive.
