“Enhancing our biosecurity readiness is imperative”, says Lagos State Governor

Speaking at the opening of the 10th African Conference on One Health and Biosecurity, Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, emphasized Lagos’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure to protect against biosecurity risks.

“Lagos—with its dense, rapidly growing population—is especially susceptible to infectious outbreaks,” Sanwo-Olu remarked. “It is imperative we enhance our biosecurity readiness, not just for ourselves, but as a model for the continent.” 

Lagos State is hosting the 10th African Conference on One Health and Biosecurity, bringing together global experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to address Africa’s preparedness against global health threats.

The two-day conference is organized by the Global Emerging Pathogens Treatment Consortium (GET) in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Health.

According to a statement signed by the Ministry’s Director of Public Affairs, Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, the conference centres on Africa’s preparedness against global health threats, with the theme: “From Ebola to COVID-19 and Beyond: Strengthening Africa’s Capacity to Address Emerging Global Health Security Threats.” 

Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the decade-long partnership between Lagos and GET, which has turned Lagos into a hub for biosecurity innovation.

“This conference is a testament to our shared resilience,” he noted, encouraging delegates to collaborate in crafting Africa-centric solutions to mitigate health threats and reduce reliance on external aid during crises.

Also speaking, former Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, emphasized the need for a coordinated approach to health security in Africa.

Lagos State’s leadership in advancing health security initiatives encouraged other African states to follow its example. “Investing in biosecurity measures and promoting awareness could better prepare Africa for future health threats,” 

“Our vision is for Africa to lead globally in sustainable health policies promoting local research, indigenous medical technology, and self-sufficiency in vaccines and medical supplies.”

He emphasized that as Africa faces rising health risks, the African Conference on One Health and Biosecurity has become a vital forum for exploring policy frameworks, technological innovation, and regional cooperation.

Lagos State Commissioner for Health Prof. Akin Abayomi addressed the dual nature of biosecurity threats, emphasizing both gradual environmental degradation and sudden pandemics. “We face the risk of zoonotic diseases daily,” he cautioned, warning that pathogens like Ebola and COVID-19 demonstrate the global catastrophe potential of health risks.

The Commissioner stressed that Nigeria’s alarming deforestation rate amplifies climate change and biosecurity risks. “Environmental degradation is a biosecurity issue as it directly impacts health stability,” he explained, urging actions to protect natural resources.