… Focus on data-driven planning, SWAp, accountability tools
In a strategic move to enhance leadership, coordination, and evidence-based planning in its health sector, the Lagos State Ministry of Health has flagged off a four-day high-level workshop for top health officials, policy influencers, and development partners.
The workshop, held at Trident Suites, Ikeja, is part of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and is being conducted in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) Coordination Office. The theme of the event is “Towards Rational, Realistic, Pragmatic and Comprehensive Planning That Informs Health Budgets for the People of Lagos State.”
Declaring the workshop open, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, described the session as more than a routine training. “This is a leadership reset,” she said. “We need health managers who understand systems, embrace innovation, and can connect big-picture reforms with realities on the ground.”
Dr. Ogunyemi emphasized the importance of localizing national health strategies like HOPE and NHSRII to suit the unique context of Lagos. “If a federal template doesn’t work for us, we must say so and create a functional alternative that still achieves the same objectives,” she stated.
She urged participants to confront persistent challenges in the health system, including maternal health outcomes and patient behavior. “If women continue to prefer traditional birth attendants despite free antenatal care, we must ask—what are we missing? This is where leadership meets responsibility,” she noted.
Representing the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, the Director of Healthcare Planning, Research and Statistics, Dr. Olajumoke Oyenuga, highlighted the workshop’s hands-on focus. She said participants would be equipped with advanced tools such as a web-enabled Annual Operational Planning (AOP) tool, systems thinking models, and performance-based planning frameworks.
“These tools will enable smarter planning, real-time tracking of deliverables, and help reduce inefficiencies,” Dr. Oyenuga said. “We are moving from fragmented spreadsheets to dynamic digital systems that promote transparency, accountability, and alignment with national benchmarks.”
Also speaking, Dr. Nonso Egbosi, Assistant Director and Head of Strategic Planning at the Federal Ministry of Health, praised Lagos for taking ownership of the NHSRII process. “This is how reform should work—federal vision cascading into state-level action with clarity and purpose,” he said. “We trained national planners in Abuja, and Lagos is now setting the pace for subnational implementation.”
The SWAp Desk Officer, Dr. Oyeyemi Ogunjobi, said the four-day programme would feature peer learning, group exercises, and applied systems analysis. “Participants will leave with the knowledge and leadership mindset to drive change across all LGAs and LCDAs,” she said.
Also lending support, Mr. Olukunle Daramola, a consultant with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, commended Lagos for its commitment to the SWAp approach. “This is about more than developing plans—it’s about translating policy into impact. We are proud to be part of this journey with Lagos,” he noted.
Among participants, Dr. Osenat Ibrahim, Medical Officer of Health for Ejigbo LCDA, expressed excitement over the digital tools introduced. Similarly, Dr. Akintunde Abimbola of Badagry LGA described the workshop as a vital step toward spreading best practices to the grassroots. “The direction we are receiving is commendable. Now, we must ensure that this knowledge reaches where it matters most—our communities,” he said.
Over the next few days, sessions will cover critical modules including the HOPE Agenda, the Maternal and Infant Mortality Improvement Initiative (MAMII), bottleneck analysis, and integration of state and federal health priorities.
With Lagos as Nigeria’s most populous and dynamic state, the stakes are high—but so is the ambition. Through coordinated planning, innovation, and performance monitoring, Lagos is positioning itself to lead health governance reform, not just for the state, but for the country.
