The Lagos State Ministry of Health has kicked off preparations for its 2026 Annual Operational Plan (AOP) with a strong call for smarter planning, better resource allocation, and reforms anchored on digitalisation and compulsory insurance.
At the Top Management Committee Meeting held on September 8 in Ikeja, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, said effective health planning must align with global standards while reflecting Nigeria’s national priorities and Lagos’ local realities.
“Our action plan for 2026/2027 must consider what is happening internationally, nationally, and locally before arriving at something concrete,” he said, stressing that budgets and plans must be inseparable for real impact.
He highlighted human resources as a top priority, revealing progress on the proposed Lagos State University of Medicine and Health Sciences, expected to address shortages by training and retaining medical professionals while attracting diaspora expertise.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, urged sector leaders to focus on efficiency and collaboration, describing Lagos as a national reference point in healthcare. She emphasized the role of digital platforms like the Smart Health Information Platform (SHIP) and the HOPE initiative in driving reforms.
Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, cautioned against “lazy planning” and recycling past budgets, calling for evidence-based strategies and bold prioritisation. “Instead of spreading limited funds across a long list of activities, we should focus on fewer projects that deliver sustainable impact,” he said.
Development partners, including The Challenge Initiative (TCI) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), pledged continued support, praising Lagos for its leadership and coordination in health system planning.
With the 2026 AOP, Lagos aims to position itself at the forefront of Nigeria’s health reforms—leveraging digitalisation, compulsory insurance, and stronger partnerships to deliver better outcomes for its residents.
