Lagos, Nigeria – October 18, 2025 —
The Lagos State Government has issued a stern warning to operators of unregistered health facilities, vowing to intensify its crackdown on illegal medical establishments across the state. The warning follows an alarming increase in the number of substandard and unauthorized clinics, laboratories, and pharmacies operating without the required certifications and professional standards.
According to a statement from the Lagos State Ministry of Health, the government is committed to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of residents by ensuring that all healthcare providers operate in accordance with legal and professional guidelines. The ministry emphasized that any facility found to be operating without registration or operating outside the scope of their approval will be shut down immediately and the operators prosecuted.
Heightened Enforcement and Public Safety
Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, reiterated the government’s resolve to rid the state of quackery and unsafe health practices.
“Unregistered health facilities pose a serious risk to public health. They often lack qualified personnel, proper equipment, and hygiene standards, which can lead to misdiagnosis, complications, and even loss of life,” Dr. Ogunyemi said.
She added that residents must be vigilant and seek care only from accredited healthcare providers.
As part of its enforcement strategy, the Lagos State Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) has ramped up inspections of medical facilities across the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs). The agency is also encouraging members of the public to report suspicious facilities via official hotlines and digital platforms.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Under the extant laws governing healthcare practice in Lagos, it is a criminal offense to operate a medical facility without registration or outside the bounds of approved medical practice. Offenders may face hefty fines, closure of premises, license revocation, and in some cases, imprisonment.
In recent months, HEFAMAA has sealed over 150 illegal facilities across the state, including makeshift maternity homes, unauthorized laboratories, and unlicensed pharmacies. The agency noted that many of these centers were operating in residential areas, lacked basic medical equipment, and were run by individuals without any formal medical training.
Call for Public Awareness and Responsibility
The Lagos State Government is also launching a new public awareness campaign to educate residents on how to identify legitimate health facilities. Citizens are advised to check the HEFAMAA database or visit the agency’s website to verify the status of any medical center before receiving treatment.
Dr. Ogunyemi urged all unregistered operators to take immediate steps to regularize their operations or face legal consequences.
“We are not only protecting the public but also encouraging professionalism and quality assurance in the health sector. There is no excuse for operating outside the law.”
Conclusion
As Lagos continues to battle public health challenges ranging from infectious diseases to maternal mortality, the government is sending a clear message: there is zero tolerance for quackery and unregulated healthcare. With stepped-up monitoring, public engagement, and legal enforcement, the state is striving to create a safer, more reliable healthcare system for all its residents.
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