Lagos Health Ministry Kicks Off 2026 Annual Operational Plan with Focus on Strategic Alignment, Resource Prioritisation
The Lagos State Ministry of Health has commenced the development of its 2026 Annual Operational Plan (AOP), calling for deliberate planning, alignment with global and national directives, and prioritisation of resources to deliver impactful health outcomes for residents.
Speaking at the Top Management Committee Meeting on the AOP development process in Ikeja, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, stressed that effective operational planning must draw from international and national health directives while reflecting the Lagos Strategic Development Plan and the THEMES+ agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.
Prof. Abayomi said health planning in Lagos cannot operate in isolation but must be contextualised to capture international best practices, federal health priorities, and grassroots realities.
“Our action plan for 2026/2027 must consider what is happening internationally, nationally, and locally before arriving at something concrete,” he stated.
The Commissioner emphasised the inseparable relationship between the AOP and the state’s budget process, describing it as critical to successful implementation.
Highlighting human resources for health as a pressing priority, Prof. Abayomi unveiled progress on the proposed Lagos State University of Medicine and Health Sciences, adding that “Lagos should never be a state where you complain of shortage of healthcare professionals.”
Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, described the AOP process as pivotal to strengthening the state’s health system, urging health leaders to focus on efficiency and collaboration, particularly given limited fiscal space and competing demands across ministries.
She noted that while the federal government sets broad policy directions, Lagos remains a reference point in health system performance and must continue to lead. Dr. Ogunyemi reiterated the need for every stakeholder to recognise their role as a leader in the system, irrespective of cadre or portfolio.
Delivering his goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, stressed that the culture of “lazy planning” and recycling past budgets must give way to deliberate, evidence-driven strategies. He noted that too often the ministry develops ambitious plans that are not backed by adequate resources.
According to him, the solution lies in prioritisation and sustainability.
