The Lagos State Government has issued a strong warning to residents against consuming herbal medicines not certified by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), citing serious risks to public health.
The Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, delivered the warning during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing held in Alausa, Ikeja. He also outlined major achievements in the health sector over the past year.
“No one should take any herbal medicine not approved by NAFDAC,” Abayomi said on Wednesday. “Those who consume unverified concoctions are putting themselves at great risk. The government will not be held liable for the consequences.”
New Healthcare Facilities Announced
The Commissioner also highlighted progress in healthcare infrastructure, revealing that three major facilities—the Massey Children’s Hospital on Lagos Island, the Mental Health Institute at Ketu-Ejirin in Epe, and the Iba-Ojo General Hospital—will be completed and inaugurated in 2026.
The Massey Children’s Hospital is already 70 per cent complete, he added.
“These projects aim to enhance access to quality healthcare and ease pressure on existing hospitals,” he explained.
Public Health Challenges and Malaria Protocols
Professor Abayomi noted that Lagos still faces significant health challenges. Hypertension affects 20 per cent of the population, with 70 per cent of sufferers unaware of their condition. The obesity rate stands at 12 per cent, and 135,224 residents are currently living with HIV.
He also announced a new clinical approach to malaria treatment: “No one will be treated for malaria without a confirmed test result,” he said, citing a decline in the disease’s prevalence.
Tackling Medical Personnel Shortages
In response to an acute shortage of medical personnel, Abayomi detailed efforts to attract Nigerian doctors from abroad by developing world-class health facilities.
Lagos currently has 7,000 practising doctors, but requires an additional 33,000 doctors and the same number of nurses to meet WHO standards.
To bridge this gap, the annual admission quota for the Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM) has been increased from 200 to 2,500 students.
“This bold move is crucial for training the professionals we need to serve our rapidly growing population,” he said.
Digital Transformation in Healthcare
The Commissioner also introduced the Smart Health Information Platform (SHIP), part of the state’s broader digital health strategy. SHIP will facilitate a comprehensive Health Information Exchange to assist patients, healthcare workers, and policymakers alike.
This initiative is a joint effort between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology.
Diphtheria Contained, Hygiene Emphasised
Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, addressed the recent diphtheria outbreak, confirming it has been successfully managed through mass vaccination and public awareness campaigns.
She urged residents to maintain hygiene, particularly during the rainy season, stressing: “Clean surroundings are vital in preventing the spread of communicable diseases.”