The Lagos State Government says it is intensifying efforts to strengthen its One Health and biosecurity framework as part of a broader strategy to safeguard public health, food systems and the environment.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, said this while delivery keynote address at an event to mark the World Veterinary Day on Wednesday in Lagos.
Abayomi said the state was adopting proactive, science-driven policies to prevent and manage emerging health threats.
He noted that Lagos had developed strong inter-agency collaboration involving the Ministries of Health, Agriculture and Environment, which recently helped contain a cholera outbreak linked to contaminated water sources.
According to him, while health facilities managed patient care, environmental authorities traced and eliminated the source of contamination, demonstrating the effectiveness of the One Health approach.
He described biosecurity shocks as emergencies requiring rapid, coordinated responses beyond conventional government systems.
“In such situations, decision-making must happen within hours. It is not business as usual,” he said.
He noted that lessons from past outbreaks such as Ebola virus disease and COVID-19 had shaped Lagos’ adaptive response model, which balances public health priorities with economic sustainability.
He added that the state was institutionalising these lessons through policies that would be translated into enforceable legislation.
Abayomi disclosed that Lagos was developing a comprehensive biosecurity blueprint and establishing key institutions, including an Infectious Diseases Research Institute and a specialised university of medicine and health sciences.
He said the initiatives would support multidisciplinary expertise in areas such as data science, bioinformatics and health economics, critical for modern disease surveillance and response.
Highlighting the role of data, he explained that thousands of health facilities generate millions of data points daily, enabling the government to detect emerging health trends and respond early.
On environmental health, Abayomil stressed that factors such as pollution, urban stress and poor infrastructure could significantly impact wellbeing.
He noted that ongoing investments in transport infrastructure — including rail and water systems — were aimed at reducing stress and improving quality of life for residents.
He also warned of growing risks in the food supply chain, particularly from unsafe livestock practices and the misuse of antibiotics.
According to him, failure to observe proper veterinary standards could lead to antimicrobial resistance, a major global health threat.
He cautioned against the consumption of wildlife, noting that such practices expose humans to zoonotic diseases.
He cited Lassa fever as an example of a zoonotic disease still affecting parts of Nigeria, while Lagos continues to maintain strong preventive systems.
“Wild animals carry numerous pathogens. Handling and consuming them increases the risk of disease transmission,” he said.
He also raised concerns about the long-term health effects of chemicals, hormones and pesticides in food, noting that such substances could accumulate in the body and cause chronic illnesses.
The commissioner emphasised the importance of safe, regulated food systems guided by sound veterinary practices.
Referencing global studies, he noted that populations in countries such as Japan and regions like the Mediterranean tend to live longer due to healthier diets and environments.
He reiterated the principle that “food should be medicine,” urging both producers and consumers to prioritise safety and quality.
He commended the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association for promoting responsible veterinary practices and raising awareness on food safety and public health.
He stressed that safeguarding human health requires collective responsibility across sectors, including agriculture, environment, education and urban planning.
“Every sector must play its part. We are all guardians of health,” he said.