Lagos targets Africa’s bioeconomy with digital health

… unveils SHIP to drive AI-powered healthcare

The Lagos State Government has unveiled a vision to use digital health, AI, data and partnerships to transform healthcare and position the state as a hub for medical innovation and Africa’s bioeconomy.

The vision was presented at the Eko Health Convention 2026, where stakeholders explored digital solutions to improve health outcomes.

Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, said digital health now goes beyond records and apps, stressing its role in research, precision medicine and economic growth. He said the Lagos Smart Health Information Platform (SHIP) will connect health data for AI-driven insights, noting that “data has become king.”

Abayomi said Lagos is building capacity for prevention, precision and regenerative medicine through projects like the proposed University of Medicine, LASMIIZO, SHIP and the BioShield initiative.

Special Adviser on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, said digital transformation is urgent due to population growth and lessons from Ebola and COVID-19. She said SHIP will centralise data, improve surveillance and planning, stressing that “government cannot do it alone.”

Permanent Secretary, Dr. Dayo Lajide, praised stakeholders and announced Eko Health Convention 2027.

Other speakers highlighted the need for seamless data exchange, stronger partnerships, and proper AI governance. Experts also noted that SHIP will unify fragmented health systems into one interoperable platform.

Stakeholders called for collaboration, local ownership and sustainable financing, while Dr. Bodunrin Osikomaiya said the focus has shifted from innovation to integration, with emphasis on interoperability and patient-centred care.