Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has raised concerns over the growing manpower shortage in the state’s healthcare sector, revealing that Lagos currently faces a deficit of about 40,000 doctors and 40,000 nurses.
The governor made the disclosure while highlighting the challenges confronting healthcare delivery in the state and outlining ongoing efforts by his administration to strengthen the sector. According to Sanwo-Olu, the shortage of medical professionals remains a major challenge that must be addressed to improve access to quality healthcare for residents.
Sanwo-Olu also disclosed that the state’s healthcare sector requires an additional N100 billion to meet its growing needs. He explained that increased funding would be critical to improving healthcare infrastructure, expanding services, supporting medical personnel and ensuring that residents, particularly those at the grassroots, can access quality medical care.
The governor said his administration remains committed to improving healthcare delivery across Lagos through investments in facilities, personnel and healthcare programmes. He noted that efforts are also being made to extend healthcare support beyond major urban centres and ensure that residents in different communities benefit from government interventions.
Another key area highlighted by the governor was the expansion of health insurance coverage in the state. He said the government was working to bring more residents into the health insurance system, which is expected to reduce the financial burden of medical treatment and make healthcare more accessible to low- and middle-income families.
Sanwo-Olu further emphasised the importance of grassroots healthcare support, noting that strengthening primary healthcare centres would help bring essential medical services closer to communities. Such efforts, he said, are necessary to improve early treatment, preventive care and overall health outcomes across the state.
The disclosure comes amid wider concerns about Nigeria’s healthcare workforce, with many health professionals leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad. The resulting shortage has placed additional pressure on hospitals and other healthcare facilities, increasing the workload for available medical personnel.
The governor’s call for an additional N100 billion therefore underscores the scale of investment required to address the challenges facing Lagos’ healthcare system. Beyond funding, tackling the shortage of doctors and nurses will require sustained efforts in training, recruitment, retention and improved working conditions.
With Lagos continuing to experience rapid population growth, the pressure on healthcare services is expected to remain significant. The state government’s emphasis on manpower, infrastructure, grassroots healthcare and insurance expansion reflects an attempt to build a system capable of meeting the needs of its growing population.
Sanwo-Olu said the administration would continue to pursue initiatives aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery and ensuring that more Lagos residents can access affordable and quality medical services.
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