The Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) has called on Lagos residents to stay vigilant and report illegal or substandard health facilities operating in their communities.

Speaking at a sensitisation and town hall meeting in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area, Dr. Olorunfemi Olonire, Director of Research and Statistics at HEFAMAA, representing the agency’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Abiola Idowu, highlighted the state government’s intensified efforts to ensure access to safe and quality healthcare for all residents.

Olonire stressed that healthcare regulation is a shared responsibility, not solely that of government authorities.

“Community participation is vital. If you notice any clinic, maternity home, or health centre operating under unsafe conditions, don’t keep quiet — report it to HEFAMAA,” he said.

He further explained that the agency has been educating residents on how to identify and verify properly registered health facilities across Lagos, reinforcing HEFAMAA’s mission to uphold minimum standards of safety, professionalism, and service quality.

“Our duty is to ensure that all health facilities in Lagos meet the required standards. But we also rely on the vigilance of the public. Communities must serve as our eyes and ears,” Olonire added.

Addressing concerns raised by residents of Amuwo Odofin, he noted the particular challenges faced by Lagos’ riverine communities in accessing affordable and safe healthcare. He assured that these issues would be escalated to the Commissioner for Health and the Governor for intervention.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration remains committed to delivering quality healthcare to every Lagos resident, on the mainland, the island, and in riverine communities. We are working closely with the Ministry of Health and local councils to make this a reality,” he said.

HEFAMAA’s appeal underscores the importance of community involvement in safeguarding public health and ensuring that all residents have access to safe, reliable healthcare services.