A healthy Lagos depends on more than the number of hospitals within the state. It also depends on the quality of the air people breathe, the water they use, the condition of their surroundings and how quickly they can access medical care when they need it.
That connection explains why Health and Environment forms the second pillar of the Lagos State Government’s THEMES+ agenda. The framework brings healthcare delivery and environmental management into one area of focus, recognising that both have a direct effect on the quality of life of Lagos residents. The State’s Medium Term Expenditure Framework identifies accessible and affordable healthcare alongside environmental sustainability as important development priorities. (Lagos State Government MTEF)
For a state with a large population and a fast-growing urban landscape, that responsibility is substantial. Hospitals have to respond to the needs of residents, while environmental agencies have to deal with waste, flooding, drainage, pollution, erosion and the loss of green areas.
The government has therefore pursued healthcare improvements alongside environmental projects under the H pillar.
In healthcare, one of the major areas of attention has been the improvement of public health facilities. The State’s health policy places emphasis on providing accessible healthcare services while strengthening facilities across different levels of care. Its stated objective includes making healthcare more affordable and accessible to residents and positioning Lagos as a major medical tourism destination in Africa. (Lagos State Government MTEF)
Primary healthcare remains particularly important because it provides the first point of contact for many residents. The Lagos State Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency, HEFAMAA, sets requirements for public primary healthcare facilities covering areas such as water supply, ventilation, sanitation, waste disposal and basic safety facilities. (HEFAMAA)
That standard matters because healthcare doesn’t begin when a patient enters a consultation room. The condition of the facility, availability of clean water, proper waste disposal and adequate sanitation can influence the safety of both patients and healthcare workers.
Medical waste also requires careful management. HEFAMAA requires registered health facilities in Lagos to follow procedures for the segregation, storage and disposal of medical waste, including sharps and potentially infectious materials. Facilities must also register with the Lagos Waste Management Authority for waste management. (HEFAMAA Medical Waste Management)
The environmental side of the H pillar is equally significant.
Lagos’ geographical conditions make flooding and drainage major concerns. The State has invested in drainage construction, dredging and the rehabilitation of hydraulic structures, alongside the construction of secondary drainage channels intended to improve the movement of stormwater across different areas. These projects form part of the State’s environmental infrastructure programme. (Lagos State Debt Management Office)
Environmental management also extends to the amount of greenery within the state. Trees provide shade, help moderate temperatures and contribute to cleaner air, making urban greening relevant to both environmental management and public health.
In July 2026, the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency reported that 13,401 trees had been planted across the state’s five administrative divisions, representing 67 per cent of the government’s 20,000-tree target for the year. The State said the campaign would continue through the rainy season, with the aim of increasing green cover and strengthening climate resilience. (Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency)
The tree-planting programme is part of a wider effort to expand and maintain green areas. LASPARK says it currently maintains 327 parks and gardens across Lagos, including gardens established by the State Government, private organisations and schools. (LASPARK)
Waste management remains another major part of environmental health. The condition of roads, drainage channels, markets and residential areas can be affected when waste isn’t properly collected or disposed of. This is why environmental management requires more than periodic sanitation exercises. It depends on collection systems, enforcement, drainage maintenance and residents having practical ways to dispose of waste properly.
Flooding presents another test for the State’s environmental planning. Drainage construction and dredging can improve the movement of stormwater, but maintaining those systems is equally important. A drainage channel that becomes blocked by waste or suffers structural damage cannot perform as effectively as it should.
This is where the health and environment sides of the H pillar meet.
Poor environmental conditions can contribute to health risks, while inadequate healthcare can make environmental health problems more difficult to manage. A flooded area can affect homes, businesses and access to healthcare. Poor waste disposal can create sanitation problems. Air pollution can affect respiratory health. Extreme heat can also create additional risks, particularly for vulnerable residents.
Lagos therefore needs policies that treat healthcare and environmental management as connected responsibilities rather than separate government departments working in isolation.
The progress already recorded under the H pillar is significant, yet the scale of Lagos means there is still considerable work ahead. New healthcare infrastructure needs trained personnel, equipment and regular maintenance. Environmental projects require consistent monitoring after construction. Trees need to be protected and maintained after planting. Drainage systems need regular clearing and rehabilitation. Waste management requires reliable collection as well as enforcement.
The quality of these services is ultimately measured through everyday experiences.
It is measured when a pregnant woman can access appropriate maternal care without travelling an unreasonable distance. It is measured when a child can visit a functioning primary healthcare centre. It is measured when heavy rainfall doesn’t leave major roads inaccessible. It is measured when waste is collected properly and when residents have clean, well-maintained public areas.
These outcomes matter because public health isn’t limited to what happens inside a hospital.
The H in THEMES+ therefore represents a broader responsibility for Lagos. It asks the government to improve healthcare while also creating environmental conditions that support healthier living. The work covers hospitals and primary healthcare centres, drainage and flood management, waste disposal, green infrastructure, environmental regulation and climate resilience.
Lagos has made investments across these areas, from healthcare facilities and medical regulation to drainage projects and the expansion of green infrastructure. The next challenge is maintaining these improvements and ensuring that residents can experience their benefits in their daily lives.
A healthier Lagos requires both effective healthcare and an environment that supports good health. As the State continues to grow, the success of this pillar will depend on how well those two responsibilities are managed together.
Keep Reading with Exquisite Magazine
The THEMES+ series continues with Exquisite Magazine, as we examine the policies, projects and priorities shaping Lagos one pillar at a time. From healthcare and environmental management to the issues that affect everyday life, stay with Exquisite Magazine for the next instalment as we turn to E for Education and Technology.
Written by Aliyah O.
