Lagos Moves Against Quackery In Health Sector, Intensifies Crackdown On Unlicensed Hospitals

    The Lagos State Government has intensified its crackdown on medical quackery, urging residents to support efforts to identify and report unlicensed healthcare facilities operating across the state.

The Executive Secretary of the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency, Victoria Egunjobi, made the appeal during a one-day awareness and sensitisation campaign held in Badagry to educate residents on the dangers of patronising unqualified healthcare providers.

Represented by the agency’s Director of Monitoring and Inspection, Olayinka Daniel, Egunjobi said protecting public health requires collaboration among government agencies, community leaders and residents.

She urged Lagosians to seek treatment only from healthcare facilities displaying the official HEFAMAA accreditation logo, noting that the emblem confirms that a facility has met regulatory standards and has been duly licensed by the state government.

According to her, the sensitisation campaign was organised to deepen public understanding of the agency’s statutory responsibilities, including the monitoring, inspection, accreditation and licensing of healthcare facilities across Lagos State.

“The essence of this programme is to enlighten residents of Badagry on the responsibilities of HEFAMAA, which include monitoring, inspection, accreditation and licensing of health facilities.

 This is aimed at ensuring that only qualified healthcare providers, in line with the provisions of Section 63 of the Lagos State Health Sector Reform Law, are allowed to operate in the state,” she said.

Egunjobi described medical quackery as a major threat to public health and safety, warning that preventable deaths caused by unqualified medical practitioners must not be allowed to continue.

“One life lost due to quackery is one too many,” she said.

She called on traditional rulers, market leaders, artisans, religious organisations, youth groups, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders to join the agency’s efforts to eliminate illegal medical practice in the state.

According to her, the campaign against quackery cannot be won by the government alone and requires active public participation.

“Ensure that you patronise only health facilities displaying the HEFAMAA logo.

“If you notice any facility operating without the logo, do not hesitate to report it. See something, say something, so that together we can win the battle against quackery,” she added.

As part of the campaign, HEFAMAA officials visited several locations in Badagry, including the Primary Health Centre, Ijanikin; Lagos Health District V Office; Badagry Local Government Secretariat, the palace of the traditional ruler of Badagry, Badagry General Hospital; Badagry Market, Badagry Roundabout Motor Park and the Lagos State University campus in Ojo.

At various locations, residents were educated on how to identify accredited healthcare facilities, and informational materials detailing HEFAMAA’s responsibilities and the risks associated with unlicensed providers were distributed.

The campaign forms part of the Lagos State Government’s broader efforts to strengthen healthcare regulation, protect residents from unsafe medical practices and improve access to quality healthcare services across the state.

  

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How Euracare Hospital Is Silencing The Truth Of Its Complicity In My Son's Death - Chimamanda Adichie

Award-winning author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, has accused the Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos of orchestrating a cover-up in the death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi Adichie-Esege. This was contained in a letter she wrote to the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the hospital.

Adichie shared the letter on her Facebook page on Saturday, saying she decided to make it public “because to keep silent about Euracare’s evil is to enable it.”

In the letter, the author alleged that the Medical Director of Euracare, Dr Tosin Majekodunmi, visited the family at their Ikoyi home on January 8, the day after Nkanu’s death, and admitted that the anaesthesiologist, Dr Titus Ogundare, had not followed the standard of care.

According to the letter, Majekodunmi told Adichie on January 6 that Ogundare had given Nkanu “too much propofol” — words she described as his exact statement to her after she saw him rush into the catheterisation laboratory where the child was.

She said the director accepted full responsibility and promised to dismiss Dr Ogundare.

However, she alleged that he subsequently stopped communicating with the family, stating that Euracare management had taken over and effectively silenced him.

Adichie further alleged that Euracare listed bacterial and fungal meningitis as the cause of death on Nkanu’s death certificate, a claim she described as inaccurate.

“When Nkanu came to Euracare that morning for tests, he was conscious and talking and interactive. He was sick but he was not critical,” she stated.

She added that the certificate must be corrected to reflect what she believes was the true cause: improper sedation, hypoxic brain injury, and cardiac arrest.

The author also alleged that a senior figure in Euracare’s ownership sent a message to a family relative warning that she should not pursue court action because “bad things may be said about her since court cases are about winning and anybody would do anything to win.”

Adichie described the message as “manipulative and implicitly threatening.”

“They can drag all they wish in the mud, but our quest for justice will continue,” she said.

On the ongoing inquest, Adichie noted that it was Euracare itself that first applied for a coroner’s inquest in January, citing “rumours of negligence.”

She said the hospital has since deployed delaying tactics and is now seeking to stop the inquest entirely.

“If Euracare cares about the truth, then why create delays and distractions and now, finally, try to stop an inquest?” she asked.

The Lagos State High Court, on May 26, granted Euracare leave to challenge the jurisdiction of the Coroner’s Court, ordering a stay of the inquest proceedings pending the determination of a judicial review application filed by the hospital. The Coroner’s Court subsequently adjourned the matter to October 8, 2026.

The Lagos State Attorney-General, Lawal Pedro (SAN), and the Chief Coroner of Lagos State have since filed a preliminary objection urging the High Court to dismiss Euracare’s application, describing it as incompetent, premature, and an abuse of court process.

Nkanu, the older of Adichie’s twin sons, died on January 7, 2026, following complications during sedation procedures at Euracare.

The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria subsequently suspended Dr Ogundare and Dr Majekodunmi, alongside the Chief Medical Officer of Atlantis Pediatric Hospital, Dr Atinuke Uwajeh, pending disciplinary proceedings.

Euracare had not responded to Adichie’s post as of the time of this report.

  

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Lagos First Lady Together With Mrs Hamzat And Others Walk Against Drug Abuse Among Youths

Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and  wife of the deputy governor, Oluremi Hamzat on Thursday charged youths to be ambassadors of the fight against drug abuse and Illicit trafficking.

She spoke at a Walk to mark the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with the theme ‘The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,’ held at Caleb University, Imota, Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu was joined in the Walk by staff and students of the university, Commissioner for Tertiary Education,Tolani-Sule Akibu, Chairman, House Committee on Youth and Social Development, Abiodun Orekoya, Permanent Secretaries, officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, and others.

She said the theme of this year’s fight against drug abuse reflects both long-standing and emerging drug abuse patterns that require collaborative and evidence-based action.

The First Lady described drug abuse as a threat to youths and society as it damages their mental and physical health, academic performance, productivity, relationships, and wellbeing.

“Addiction cuts across age, gender, and social status, yet victims are often stigmatized instead of supported. We must embrace compassion, encourage rehabilitation, and create opportunities for recovery,” she noted.

She expressed the commitment of her office to fighting drug abuse in partnership with NDLEA, ministries of education, health, justice, youth and social development, NGOs, community leaders, market associations, and local government areas.

She further noted that her office has carried out initiatives and sensitization programmes one of which is the Lagos Boy Child Initiative. She added that Caleb University was the third university after Lagos State University, LASU, and University of Lagos, UNILAG; to benefit from her office ‘s advocacy campaign against drug abuse.

“To students, your choices today shape your tomorrow. Drug abuse may bring temporary excitement but destroys dreams, health, education, and career. I urge you to become campaign ambassadors, discourage substance abuse and support those struggling,” she said.

In her remarks, the wife of the deputy governor, Oluremi Hamzat warned the students against drug abuse, warning that it could destroy their dreams and deprive them of opportunities to succeed in life.
She encouraged them to ’embrace positive values’

“Let us break the cycle of drug abuse and build a safer society for all,” she said.

The Vice Chancellor, Caleb University, Prof. Olalekan Asikhia lamented that despite decades of awareness campaigns and policy interventions, the menace of substance abuse continues to evolve.

He said the university is resolved to foster a drug-free environment, promote mental wellness, and equip its students with the resilience and knowledge to reject the temptations of illicit substances.

Ogunluyi Titilope, the Deputy Commander, Drug Demand Reduction, NDLEA, Lagos Command, urged the students to join the government in creating awareness, report drug dealers and peddlers and serve as positive role models

Executive Director, Compassionate Care Recovery, Dr Dokun Adedeji in his lecture noted that between 14 to 15million Nigerians use drugs with age brackets ranging from 25 to 39years old and Lagos recording the highest rate with 33%.

He attributed difficulties in recovering from drug abuse to stigma and discrimination, lack of emotional and psychological support among others.

He advocated living a meaningful life, family and community support as part of measures that could help a drug addict to recover.

  

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Our Aim Is To Eliminate New HIV Infections Among Children - Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, CEO LSACA

The Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA) has intensified efforts to eliminate new HIV infections among children and improve maternal health outcomes through a sensitization programme for Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) on the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV and Universal Safety Precautions.

The training which held on Thursday at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), brought together Traditional Birth Attendants from across Lagos State to enhance their knowledge and capacity in HIV prevention, safe delivery practices, infection prevention and control, stigma reduction, and appropriate referral mechanisms for pregnant women living with HIV.

Declaring the programme open, the Chief Executive Officer of LSACA, Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, highlighted the critical role Traditional Birth Attendants play in maternal and child healthcare, particularly at the grassroots level where they often serve as the first point of contact for pregnant women seeking care and guidance.

“You are not just birth attendants; you are trusted counsellors, community leaders, and protectors of life. The influence you have on the health decisions of women and families is significant, and we must continue to work together to ensure that every mother and child is protected from HIV,” she said.

 Animashaun explained that the sensitization programme was designed to strengthen participants’ understanding of HIV prevention, safe delivery practices, infection prevention and control measures, stigma reduction, and referral pathways that safeguard mothers, newborns, and healthcare providers.

“No woman should be denied care because she is HIV positive. HIV testing should form part of routine antenatal investigations, and where a pregnant woman tests positive, she should be promptly referred to appropriate healthcare facilities for comprehensive care and treatment,” she stated.

She further disclosed that participants were selected through a collaborative process involving the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board and community stakeholders to ensure broad representation and effective dissemination of knowledge across communities.

“We work closely with traditional structures at the grassroots level to identify participants, monitor knowledge transfer, and obtain feedback. This approach ensures that the impact of the programme extends beyond this training and reaches the communities that need it most,” she added.

Reaffirming the Lagos State Government’s commitment to ending HIV as a public health threat, Animashaun called for stronger collaboration between Traditional Birth Attendants and the formal healthcare system through timely referrals, adherence to universal safety precautions, and the dissemination of accurate health information.

“Through collaboration, early referrals, strict adherence to universal precautions, and accurate information sharing, we can significantly reduce new HIV infections among women and children while promoting safer delivery practices across our communities,” she said.

She however encouraged participants to actively engage in discussions, share experiences, ask questions, and apply the knowledge gained during the training to improve maternal and child health outcomes within their communities.

Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Adebambo Olushola, one of the facilitators, stressed the importance of professionalism, ethical conduct, and confidentiality in the discharge of duties by Traditional Birth Attendants. She urged participants to uphold clients’ privacy, particularly regarding HIV status, while encouraging pregnant women to access HIV testing, counselling, and treatment services.

One of the participants, Prince Mari Tajudeen, commended the Lagos State Government and LSACA for organizing the sensitization programme, describing it as timely, informative, and impactful.

“We have gained valuable knowledge that will improve the quality of care we provide to pregnant women and newborns. We are committed to applying these lessons in our daily practice to safeguard the health of mothers and children in our communities,” he said.

The sensitization programme forms part of LSACA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen community-based HIV prevention interventions and ensure that every pregnant woman in Lagos has access to quality healthcare services that support the birth of healthy, HIV-free children.

  

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15 Arrested In Jibowu For Reselling Used Plastic To Food Vendors

Operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps have arrested over 15 suspected environmental offenders around the Jibowu railway corridor

in Lagos State.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this in a post shared on his verified X handle.

The suspects were apprehended for allegedly collecting used disposable plastics and plates from refuse bins and reselling them to food vendors in the area.

The statement said, “Earlier today, operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (KAI) apprehended over 15 suspected environmental offenders

around the Jibowu railway corridor for allegedly collecting and reselling used disposable plastics and plates recovered from refuse bins to food vendors.”

The enforcement exercise was part of ongoing efforts by the state government to curb environmental violations and ensure public health safety.

144 people were arrested across Lagos State last week Wednesday for allegedly engaging in street begging.

  

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World Food Safety Day: Lagos Pushes For More Safety Standards

Lagos State has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening food safety standards across the state, as it joined the global observance of the 2026 World Food Safety Day with a renewed call for stricter compliance by food businesses and greater vigilance by consumers.

The Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr Lanre Mojola, made the call in a statement on Sunday to commemorate the annual event observed worldwide on June 7.

This year’s theme, “From Burdens to Solutions – Safe Food Everywhere,” highlights the importance of preventing foodborne diseases and strengthening food safety systems across the food supply chain.

Mojola described food safety as a critical public health, economic and consumer protection issue, noting that ensuring the safety of food consumed by residents remains a priority for the Lagos State Government.

“Food safety is not optional; it is a necessity. Every meal consumed by Lagosians should meet the highest standards of safety and hygiene,” he said.

As one of Africa’s largest commercial centres, Lagos relies on a vast food distribution network involving manufacturers, processors, distributors, restaurants, hospitality operators and food vendors.

Mojola said maintaining safety standards across the chain requires collective responsibility from all stakeholders.

“Together, we can build a safer and healthier Lagos,” he added.

According to the commission, efforts to strengthen food safety have included routine inspections, safety audits and risk assessments of restaurants, bakeries, supermarkets, shopping malls, hospitality establishments and other public facilities.

The agency said it also monitors compliance with safety regulations, issues safety compliance certifications and enforces corrective measures where violations are detected.

Mojola noted that the commission had intensified training and sensitisation programmes for food service operators and other stakeholders, focusing on food handling practices, hygiene standards, storage requirements, hazard control measures and consumer protection.

He said the commission recently organised and supported capacity-building workshops for stakeholders in the food, hospitality and events sectors as part of efforts to promote science-based food safety practices and regulatory compliance.

The director-general stressed that the agency would continue to work with industry operators and relevant stakeholders to strengthen food safety systems and improve public awareness.

He urged businesses, institutions and households to make food safety a priority and support initiatives aimed at reducing foodborne risks.

“Safe food today for a healthier Lagos tomorrow,” Mojola said.

  

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Ebola: LAWMA Issues Precautionary Advisory To Health Facilities In Lagos

The Lagos Waste Management Authority has issued a precautionary advisory to health facilities and medical waste handlers across the state following reports of an Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in parts of East Africa.

LAWMA’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the advisory was aimed at ensuring health facilities, medical waste handlers, transporters and treatment operators remain vigilant and comply with infection prevention and medical waste management protocols.

According to a statement shared by the Lagos State Government on Saturday, Gbadegesin stressed that there were currently no confirmed cases of Ebola in Lagos State or anywhere in Nigeria.

“Although there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola in Lagos or Nigeria, preparedness remains one of the most effective tools in disease prevention.

“We are therefore urging all health facilities and licensed medical waste operators to strengthen infection prevention and control measures and ensure strict compliance with approved medical waste management protocols,” he said.

He said medical waste management plays a critical role in preventing the spread of infectious diseases and protecting healthcare workers, patients, waste handlers and the wider public.

The advisory directed health facilities to reinforce infection prevention measures, including proper hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, safe handling of medical specimens, environmental decontamination and strict segregation of infectious waste at source.

LAWMA also urged medical waste handlers and transporters to adhere to approved collection, transportation, treatment and disposal procedures for infectious waste and ensure the consistent use of protective equipment during operations.

Gbadegesin said the authority would continue monitoring compliance and engaging stakeholders to maintain high standards of medical waste management across the state.

He urged health institutions to review their infection prevention protocols and promptly report any suspected public health concerns through appropriate channels.

The LAWMA boss added that Lagos State remained on high alert and would continue to sustain surveillance, preparedness and response measures to safeguard public health.

  

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Lagos Warns Consumers Against Lead-contaminated Products

The Lagos State Government has warned consumers to be vigilant against hazardous products, particularly those containing lead, as part of efforts to safeguard public health.

The General Manager of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), Afolabi Solebo, gave the warning during a meeting with the Executive Director of Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADev) Nigeria, Leslie Adogame, on Thursday in Lagos.

Mr Solebo said the state government remained committed to protecting consumers’ rights and ensuring that products in the marketplace meet established safety standards.

He emphasised the need for increased awareness of the dangers of lead exposure, noting that items such as paints, batteries, cosmetics and other consumables could pose serious health risks if contaminated.

According to him, LASCOPA is ready to work closely with SRADev Nigeria to advance environmental health and consumer protection objectives across the state.

He stated, “Our aim is to foster collaboration and strengthen the partnership between both organisations towards the elimination of lead in paints, batteries, cosmetics, and consumable products.

“It also aims to safeguard consumers from exposure to substandard and hazardous products associated with lead contamination and other environmental health risks.

“The Lagos State Government will continue to prioritise consumer safety by strengthening regulatory frameworks and collaborating with relevant stakeholders to eliminate hazardous products from circulation.”

Earlier, Mr Adogame, also the programme manager for the Lead Exposure Elimination Project, said the visit was aimed at fostering collaboration and strengthening partnerships toward eliminating lead in consumer products and reducing environmental health risks.

He said both organisations would focus on strategies such as consumer education, public advocacy, research and enforcement initiatives to curb the circulation of substandard and unsafe goods.

Mr Adogame noted that the partnership would enhance public awareness and promote safer consumption practices among residents.

The collaboration is expected to improve regulatory enforcement and reduce exposure to harmful substances in Lagos State. 

(NAN)

 

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700 Widows, Vulnerable Residents Benefit From Free Medical Outreach In Idimu And Ikorodu

No fewer than 700 widows and vulnerable residents in Lagos State have benefited from a free medical outreach organised by the Primus Charity Foundation in the Idimu and Ikorodu areas of the state.

The foundation said the outreach, which was its second annual medical intervention programme, was aimed at improving access to healthcare services for underserved members of the community.

The exercise brought together healthcare professionals, volunteers, community leaders and partners who provided medical care and support to beneficiaries.

Speaking during the outreach, the President of the Foundation, Tomi Tomori, described the initiative as more than a medical exercise.

According to her, the programme was designed to demonstrate compassion and provide support for vulnerable members of society who often struggle to access healthcare services.

Tomori noted that many residents of low-income communities continue to battle preventable health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, chronic pain and emotional distress due to financial challenges and limited access to medical care.

“This outreach was created to bridge that gap. At Primus Charity Foundation, we strongly believe that access to basic healthcare should not be a privilege reserved for a few,” she said.

Beneficiaries received free medical consultations, blood pressure and blood sugar screening, counselling services, medications, health education and referrals for further medical attention where necessary.

The foundation also distributed food items to widows and other vulnerable participants as part of its humanitarian support efforts.

Tomori said the outreach reflected the foundation’s commitment to improving lives and expanding access to healthcare.

“What began as a vision to serve humanity is gradually becoming a movement of hope and impact,” she stated.

She commended the medical personnel, sponsors, volunteers, community leaders and partners whose contributions ensured the success of the programme.

Tomori also called on organisations and well-meaning individuals to partner with the foundation to promote healthier communities and extend healthcare support to more vulnerable people.

Beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful in view of the rising cost of healthcare services in the country.

Access to affordable healthcare remains a challenge for many low-income and vulnerable Nigerians, particularly widows and the elderly.

In recent years, non-governmental organisations and charitable foundations have increasingly complemented government efforts by providing free medical outreach programmes, health screenings, medications and welfare support to underserved communities.

Such interventions help in the early detection and management of common health conditions while improving healthcare access for vulnerable groups.

  

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Ebola Threat: Lagos Moves To Limit Passenger Interaction

Authorities in Lagos are exploring measures to reduce interaction between passengers arriving from Ebola-affected countries and other travellers passing through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, as authorities strengthen safeguards against the possible importation of the virus into Nigeria.

The proposal formed part of deliberations during a high-level inspection and preparedness exercise at the airport on Sunday, where state health officials, aviation regulators and airport authorities reviewed surveillance systems, emergency response plans and passenger screening protocols amid renewed Ebola outbreaks in parts of Central and East Africa.

The Lagos delegation was led by the Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi, and included the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Dayo Lajide; Director of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health, Dr Ismail Abdus-Salam; and senior officials of the Lagos State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre.

They were received by the Airport Manager and Regional General Manager, South-West MMIA, Olatokunbo Arewa, alongside representatives of Port Health Services, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and other airport agencies.

The discussions come as health authorities across the continent heighten surveillance following the spread of Ebola in parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, prompting Lagos to reassess its frontline defences at Nigeria’s busiest international gateway.

The visit underscored growing concern among public health authorities that increased international mobility could heighten the risk of cross-border disease transmission if surveillance systems are not continually strengthened.

Addressing airport officials, Abayomi said Lagos was determined to preserve the efficiency of airport operations while introducing safeguards to rapidly identify and isolate potential Ebola cases.

“Our objective is to create a bottleneck for the virus, not for passengers,” he said.

He said the state was examining practical ways to limit unnecessary contact between travellers arriving from countries of concern and other passengers in the airport environment, while ensuring that airport operations remain efficient and unobstructed.

For a city that served as the entry point for Nigeria’s 2014 Ebola outbreak, Abayomi said complacency was not an option.

He recalled how the virus entered the country through an infected traveller from Liberia and threatened to trigger a major public health emergency before being contained through intensive surveillance, contact tracing and the intervention of frontline health workers.

The commissioner paid tribute to the late Dr Ameyo Adadevoh, whose actions, he said, helped prevent wider community transmission.

“The experience taught us that vigilance can never be relaxed in a globally connected world,” he said.

Abayomi described MMIA as the country’s most critical international gateway, accounting for roughly 70 per cent of inbound international passenger traffic, making it the most likely route through which imported infectious diseases could enter Nigeria.

He identified rapid case detection, immediate isolation, safe evacuation procedures and stronger digital monitoring of travellers from affected countries as the pillars of the state’s preparedness strategy.

Ogunyemi said the battle against infectious diseases could only succeed through coordinated action involving federal and state institutions, airport operators and frontline personnel.

“The frontline actually begins here at our ports of entry. As passengers arrive, you are among the very first people to interact with them, making your role critical in our disease surveillance and response efforts,” she said.

She conveyed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s support to airport workers and argued that health security deserved the same level of national attention accorded to conventional security threats.

Lajide stressed the need to protect frontline personnel tasked with screening travellers and implementing disease-control measures.

She commended airport agencies for their collaboration and urged workers to maintain strict adherence to infection prevention protocols.

Responding on behalf of airport authorities, Arewa disclosed that MMIA had begun strengthening its preparedness infrastructure through the deployment of touchless sanitiser systems, temperature-monitoring equipment and enhanced passenger screening arrangements.

He said discussions were ongoing regarding dedicated processing channels for travellers arriving from countries classified as high-risk.

“Ebola is a highly dangerous disease, and any suspected case must be isolated quickly and professionally to prevent transmission,” he said.

Arewa noted that cooperation between airport authorities and the Lagos State Government, which deepened during the COVID-19 pandemic, remained central to future emergency responses.

Further details of preparedness measures were provided by the Head of Port Health Services at MMIA, Lawal Abdullahi, who revealed that the airport reviewed and updated its Public Health Emergency Contingency Plan on March 18, 2026, before the latest Ebola developments on the continent.

He said the Airport Public Health Emergency Management Team had already been activated, while risk assessments had been conducted to identify countries requiring enhanced surveillance.

According to Abdullahi, passenger screening procedures were already in place before the activation of the national health declaration platform, with information routinely shared with Lagos State disease surveillance teams.

He added that discussions were underway to improve access to passenger data in order to strengthen contact tracing and monitoring capabilities when necessary.

The NCAA’s Aeromedical Assessor, Dr Abayomi Asunbo, said airlines operating international routes had been directed to ensure strict compliance with public health protocols before passengers are cleared for entry into Nigeria.

Also speaking, FAAN’s General Manager for Aviation Medical Services, Bilkis Ibrahim, said additional protective equipment, multilingual health advisories, awareness materials and personnel training programmes were being deployed across the airport network.

The Head of Medical Services at MMIA, Dr Uche Ofoegbu, said airport stakeholders had intensified sensitisation programmes to ensure staff understood their responsibilities regarding surveillance, infection control, isolation procedures and emergency response.

The inspection concluded with a tour of screening facilities and other critical airport infrastructure, during which officials reiterated their commitment to coordinated preparedness, information sharing and rapid intervention mechanisms.

Although the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has maintained that no Ebola case has been recorded in Nigeria, authorities say sustained vigilance remains essential as outbreaks continue to spread elsewhere in Africa.

The World Health Organisation said the Ebola outbreak linked to Bundibugyo virus disease continues to evolve across the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

As of May 27, the WHO reported 906 suspected cases and 223 deaths among suspected cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The organisation also confirmed that a healthcare worker from the United States who treated Ebola patients in the Democratic Republic of the Congo had tested positive and was receiving treatment in Germany.

  

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How We Are Preparing For Any Case Of Ebola In The State - Lagos Government

The Lagos State government says it is fully prepared to contain any case of the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus as soon as it is detected in the state to prevent it from spreading.

Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on media and publicity, Gboyega Akosile, disclosed this on Friday, while reacting to the inclusion of Lagos by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), among other states, on high Ebola preparedness alert.

Although no confirmed case of Ebola virus has been recorded in Nigeria, the NCDC director-general, Jide Idris, in a statement on Thursday, listed Lagos, FCT, Rivers, Kano, Enugu, Borno, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Taraba, and Adamawa, as high-risk states, due to international airports, porous borders, and active trade or travel routes.

Mr Idris also identified Ogun, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Plateau, Kogi, Niger, Jigawa, Katsina, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Abia, and Bayelsa as moderate-risk states requiring sustained preparedness efforts against possible Ebola importation and transmission threats.

Mr Akosile said that while it is not the duty of the state government, the Sanwo-Olu administration is in contact with the federal government to prevent any possible entry of the virus into the country, while health agencies in the state have already been mobilised in readiness for any eventuality.

He said, “In terms of readiness for any form of eventualities, Lagos State has demonstrated that it is ready to tackle issues like this. We demonstrated this and tackled it head on, during the administration of Babatunde Fashola. We also demonstrated it when Covid-19 struck during our administration of Babajide Sanwo-Olu. 

“The institutional experience, operational capability and capacity are there for us in Lagos, it’s just for us to activate it. I can guarantee that the health family, the first responders, are warming up, in case there’s any form of entry. We pray the entry will be controlled and curtailed by the appropriate authorities, but be rest assured that Lagos State, will respond as always, to any form of strain coming into our dear state.

“The state government is always in communication and partnership with the federal on several issues, not only on Ebola or other health related issues. Lagos State is seriously monitoring the situation.”

Asked if isolation centres are already in place at the borders and the airport in the state, Mr Akosile said, “Isolation centres are not places you can keep forever because they are not regular hospitals but the institutional knowledge is there for us in Lagos and it is for us, a plug and play situation.”

“As we speak, there are meetings going on and people gearing up, especially LASEMA, LASAMBUS, in case we have any entry into the state. I also know that the federal government is working very hard to ensure we don’t have such issue in Nigeria.”

He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspected health matters to the appropriate agencies.

The World Health Organization (WHO), on May 17, declared the Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).

According to the international health body, while the new deadly Ebola strain has no approved cure or vaccine, the outbreak does not meet the criteria of pandemic emergency as defined by the International Health Regulations.

  

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Lagos Adds Ante Natal, Surgery, Others To Health Insurance Scheme

Lagos State residents enrolled in the free one-year health insurance package launched by the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority can now access major and minor surgeries, antenatal and postnatal care, specialist consultations and family planning services.

The authority disclosed this during a medical outreach to residents of Festac.

During the outreach, the Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, Bashir Are, represented by Kazeem Olanipekun, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to extending quality healthcare to all corners of Lagos.

He said the free health insurance scheme being undertaken for Lagosians is being implemented at the directive of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, with a mandate and commitment to improving the well-being of Lagos citizens through a series of strategic health interventions.

Are said, “We try as much as possible to reach every part of Lagos State. This programme, created by the Lagos State Health and Management Agency, is intended to provide quality healthcare services to residents in towns and communities that make up the Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas of Lagos State.

“At the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, we are supporting the State to reach as many people as possible, because it’s a State Government mandate. We are giving this opportunity to our people for quality and proper Ilera Eko; our people must be healthy. Now, our people can access sound and quality healthcare in almost all the hospitals and primary healthcare centres in the Country.”

A representative of the Lagos State Health Management Agency, Lucas Aladeusi, stressed that the scheme was not restricted to public facilities.

“We need to tell Lagosians that we are not restricted to public hospitals and primary healthcare centres, we are also partnering with private hospitals and clinics within and outside Lagos State,” he said.

Aladeusi added that the agency had significantly expanded the scope of available services under the package.

“The Agency has gone a step further by expanding the access to minor and major surgeries, clinical tests, antenatal and postnatal care, family planning, in addition to the patient’s registration, general and specialist consultations, among others,” he stated.

He noted that the outreach had already covered Lagos Island, Agege and Ikorodu before arriving at Festac, adding that the scheme was open to all residents who live and work in Lagos State.

“The scheme is social health insurance scheme by the Lagos State Government to ensure that people that live and work in Lagos State have access to quality, affordable and accessible healthcare. So, today, we are partnering with the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority to provide free health insurance services for the people of the State,” Aladeusi said.

Earlier in May, the authority said it secured a free health insurance package for 1,320 residents across the three senatorial districts of the state.

The free package, offered under the ILERA EKO scheme in partnership with the Lagos State Health Management Agency, covers 1,320 residents across the state’s three senatorial districts for one year.

The ILERA EKO scheme, launched by the state government to drive universal health coverage, is designed to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses for residents and improve access to quality healthcare services across public and private facilities accredited by the Lagos State Health Management Agency.

  

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Ebola: No Suspected Cases In Lagos, Health Commissioner Assures

The Lagos State Government has assured residents that there are no confirmed or suspected cases of Ebola Virus Disease in the state amid concerns over outbreaks reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.

The state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, in a statement, said there was no cause for alarm, stressing that no suspected case of Ebola had been detected in Lagos.

Abayomi explained that, as a major entry point into Nigeria, Lagos was closely monitoring developments surrounding the Ebola outbreaks in the DRC and Uganda, in line with directives from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The World Health Organisation declared the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern following the spread of a rare strain of the virus with no approved vaccine or specific treatment.

There have been more than 1,000 suspected cases and over 250 reported deaths, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

So far, there are no confirmed cases of Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has assured Nigerians that there is no need to panic.

According to the NCDC, the country has the capacity to combat the disease as it is actively maintaining nationwide surveillance and emergency preparedness measures.

On May 24, 2026, the Nigeria Immigration Service allayed the fears that the country’s land borders can serve as unchecked entry points for the Ebola virus currently ravaging DRC and Uganda.

Speaking further, Abayomi said Lagos’ robust and tested biosecurity architecture remains fully activated and prepared to detect, contain, and respond rapidly to Ebola and any biological threat.

According to him, Lagos has, over the years, built a resilient and outbreak-tested biosecurity system designed for continuous year-round preparedness and response against high-consequence infectious diseases, including Ebola, Lassa Fever, and Influenza.

“The Lagos Biosecurity Bio-shield was built to protect and remains ready to respond to biological shocks. Preparedness for us is not a temporary reaction; it is a permanent culture embedded within our health system.

“The State’s preparedness framework was first rigorously tested during the Ebola outbreak and significantly strengthened during the COVID-19 pandemic. It remains actively engaged in responding to recurrent public health challenges, such as Cholera, Diphtheria, and Lassa Fever outbreaks,” the commissioner said.

Abayomi highlighted Lagos’ readiness architecture to include Lagos Incident Command System, which enables the rapid deployment of government resources and ensures seamless executive coordination during public health emergencies, and is led directly by Sanwo-Olu as Incident Commander.

He said the Lagos State Emergency Operations Centre remains operational around the clock, with a dedicated network of highly trained epidemiologists and disease surveillance specialists who can be rapidly deployed for outbreak investigation and containment.

According to him, the Lagos State Infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba, continues to maintain a state of readiness through its infectious disease specialists.

Abayomi added that the Biosafety Level-3 Laboratory and Biobank Facility located within the hospital remains on enhanced surveillance operations for the real-time diagnosis and monitoring of high-risk pathogens.

He said the government was in collaboration with the Port Health Authorities for proper scrutiny.

“All flights arriving from East and Central Africa are receiving heightened public health attention and scrutiny as part of precautionary measures to strengthen early detection and risk mitigation,” he said.

The commissioner noted that Lagos has integrated community health workers, community development associations, and civil society organisations into its early warning and disease surveillance network.

Additionally, he said strategic emergency stockpiles, including personal protective equipment, gloves, sanitizers, and other critical commodities, have been pre-positioned across key locations.

He noted that ambulance services remain strategically deployed to support rapid emergency response.

“Our focus remains firmly on prevention, early detection, prompt reporting, and swift multi-sectoral response. Lagos remains vigilant, organised, and safe,” Abayomi said.

Abayomi advised residents, particularly those who recently travelled to affected areas in Congo or Uganda, or who have had close contact with individuals returning from those countries and have medical concerns, to promptly seek guidance through emergency channels.

  

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More Than 8,000 Health Professionals, Over 500 Exhibitors From More Than 40 Countries To Converge In Lagos For World Health Expo

West Africa’s healthcare industry will converge in Lagos next week as World Health Expo (WHX) officially opens at the Landmark Centre from 2–4 June 2026, bringing together healthcare leaders, distributors, buyers, investors, laboratory professionals and policymakers from across the region and around the world.

Positioned as the gateway to West Africa’s healthcare economy, WHX is expected to welcome more than 8,000 professional visitors, over 500 exhibitors, participants from more than 40 countries and more than 30 expert speakers for three days of business networking, procurement discussions, investment opportunities and industry insights.

Digitisation in African healthcare is delivering real results: hospitals are centralising data, cutting administrative overheads and keeping patient journeys intact, from their first doctor’s visit through to their follow‑up. According to WHX Insights, digital health investments in Africa reached US$3.8 billion in 2023 and are expected to grow at 23.4% a year, reaching US$16.6 billion by 2030. From operating rooms in Lagos to rural clinics in Kigali, hospitals are leveraging technology to transform healthcare delivery, enabling more accurate diagnoses, reducing operational costs, and extending quality care to previously underserved communities.

Nigeria’s healthcare market, serving a population of over 230 million, is undergoing a structural shift, driven by an increasing demand for quality medical equipment, diagnostics, and digital‑health infrastructure. At the same time, the government’s Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) and Medipool‑style pooled‑procurement platforms are creating new, centralised routes for suppliers to access public‑sector contracts at scale. This evolving landscape is transforming Nigeria into a high‑value procurement hub for device manufacturers, diagnostics firms and digital‑health providers across the region and beyond.

WHX will highlight how digitisation is delivering tangible returns on investment in African hospitals. From integrated electronic health records and AI‑assisted imaging to smart lab workflows, suppliers will demonstrate how connected technologies reduce operational costs, shorten turnaround times, and improve patient outcomes. These platforms are increasingly attractive to Nigerian hospitals and procurement bodies who seek long‑term value, not just upfront price, when outfitting diagnostic centres and treatment facilities.

“As a leading platform for product discovery, WHX lets buyers explore and compare the full spectrum of healthcare and diagnostics products: from essential consumables to advanced laboratory and diagnostic systems, with every supplier selected for direct relevance to the West African market. By strengthening medical trade across West Africa, WHX helps accelerate procurement, unlock new supply chains, and scale innovations that widen access to quality care,” said Njide Ndili, President, Healthcare Federation of Nigeria, the leading private sector healthcare coalition established to strengthen coordination, advocacy and industry development across the healthcare value chain. “The Healthcare Federation is proud to be a partner to WHX and convenes the Healthcare Market Access & Policy Leadership Forum for policy makers and the private sector during the three-day exhibition.”

WHX brings together Nigeria’s and West Africa’s most influential healthcare buyers, hospital managers, laboratory directors, and government‑linked procurement bodies with a curated selection of global and regional suppliers. Key sectors represented will include diagnostics, medical imaging, healthcare infrastructure, laboratory technologies, medical devices, IT solutions, wellness products, orthopaedics, physiotherapy, and healthcare services.

New features at WHX include an integrated Lab Zone, showcasing diagnostics, equipment, and consumables with live demonstrations, hands-on workshops, expert insights and buyer matchmaking to drive commercial outcomes. WHX Connect is a curated distributor networking programme that brings together verified distributors specialising in pharma, lab equipment, medical devices, and consumables with key exhibitors to enable meaningful business connections across the healthcare supply chain.

The 2026 edition of WHX will share insights that matter across three dynamic partner-led forums — the Healthcare Market Access & Policy Leadership Forum on 2 June, under the theme “Enabling Market-Ready Health Systems: The Role of Diagnostics, Digital Infrastructure, and Human Capital” and in partnership with the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria; The Hospital Investment & Buyer Leadership Forum, held in collaboration with ABCHealth on 3 June; and the Heads of Laboratory Forum on 4 June, held in partnership with the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria —creating opportunities for market expansion and strategic partnerships. Each Leadership Forum gathers the region’s top healthcare leaders to spark real change in policy, investment, and decision‑making across Nigeria and West Africa.

“When WHX convenes in Lagos next week, it will be a real moment for the region — we’re bringing together buyers, suppliers, investors and policy leaders in one place to get deals done and ideas moving. WHX isn’t just an exhibition; it’s a hub and a connector that accelerates collaboration across West Africa’s healthcare value chain, opening immediate opportunities for procurement, partnerships and innovation that will improve access and outcomes across the region,” said Tom Coleman, Portfolio Director – Healthcare, Informa Markets.

The WHX portfolio includes three key healthcare events in Africa, held in Johannesburg, Nairobi, and Lagos. These events form a unified platform that connects global brands with regional distributors.

  

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