The Lagos State Ministry of Health has announced ambitious plans to construct new specialist hospitals and establish a medical innovation zone. These initiatives aim to expand medical training, strengthen digital healthcare networks, and position Lagos as a leading healthcare destination in Africa.
New Hospital Projects
During the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing, Health Commissioner Professor Akin Abayomi detailed several major projects. A new 10-floor Massey Children's Hospital is under construction, expected to become one of the most advanced paediatric referral centers in West Africa. Additionally, a 280-bed General Hospital is being built in Iba-Ojo, along with a 1,500-bed Mental Health Institute in Ketu-Ejirin.
Green Hospital Design
Abayomi emphasized that the state is redesigning hospital infrastructure using renewable energy and climate-sensitive architecture. Traditional hospitals currently cost about N158 million to power, but the new "green hospitals" are projected to reduce energy costs by more than half through solar energy systems and improved ventilation. "We are building facilities for the future of Lagos," he said, noting that older hospitals were not designed for current population pressures.
Medical Education Expansion
To address a severe shortage of healthcare professionals, Lagos plans to establish a standalone University of Medicine and Health Sciences. The state requires about 40,000 doctors but currently has only 7,000. The new university will significantly expand admissions into medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and dentistry programs, while decentralizing medical training into general hospitals and primary healthcare facilities.
Medical Innovation Zone
The government will create a Lagos Medical Industries and Innovation Zone in the Lekki Free Trade Zone, focusing on local production of vaccines, drugs, medical consumables, and equipment. This initiative was inspired by COVID-19 pandemic shortages, when global supply chain disruptions increased medical supply costs.
Digital Healthcare Platform
A Smart Health Information Platform (SHIP) will connect hospitals, pharmacies, laboratories, ambulances, and regulatory agencies into a single integrated system. Patients will eventually use a unique identification number to access treatment across facilities, eliminating the need for physical medical files.
Disease Control Progress
Abayomi highlighted significant progress in malaria reduction, with prevalence dropping from 15% in 2010 to approximately 2% in 2025 through aggressive testing and prevention campaigns.
Climate Adaptation Plan
The state announced a Climate Adaptation Plan for the health sector covering 2026 to 2030, addressing rising temperatures, flooding, and other environmental threats affecting public health.
Regulatory Reforms
The Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) reported that 62 health facilities were recently sealed for non-compliance, while nearly 4,800 facilities are currently accredited across the state.
Abayomi stated that the broader goal is to reduce outbound medical tourism and position Lagos as a center for advanced healthcare, medical education, and health innovation in Africa. Special Adviser on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, urged residents to patronize only HEFAMAA-accredited facilities. Permanent Secretary Dr. Dayo Lajide expressed appreciation to stakeholders supporting healthcare development.
