Lagos Enhances Healthcare Delivery With Two New Pharma-Grade Warehouses • As Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Administration Continues to Strengthens Healthcare Infrastructure
By Trek Africa Newspaper
• Expands Pharmaceutical Storage Capacity with Cutting-Edge Warehousing Technology
In a bold stride toward strengthening healthcare infrastructure, the Lagos State Government has commissioned two newly upgraded Pharmagrade warehouses at the Lagos State Medical Store (LSMS) in Oshodi. The state-of-the-art facilities, inaugurated on January 30, 2025, mark a significant milestone in the state’s commitment to efficient, safe, and accessible healthcare services for its residents.
At the commissioning ceremony, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, underscored the project’s critical role in fortifying Lagos’ healthcare supply chain. She noted that Lagos is one of 21 states benefiting from infrastructural enhancements under the Resilient and Sustainable System for Health (RSSH) Grant 2, a Global Fund initiative facilitated through UNICEF.
“Lagos State has always led the way in healthcare innovation, and with these upgraded warehouses, we are ensuring that all medicines and medical supplies in our care remain potent, secure, and readily available for those who need them,” Dr. Ogunyemi stated.
According to a press statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs, Tunbosun Ogunbanwo it states as thus, designed to meet national and global pharmaceutical storage standards, the warehouses are equipped with advanced temperature control systems, drug analysis laboratories, cold storage facilities, inventory management technologies, alternative power sources, and enhanced security measures. These upgrades will optimize drug storage conditions, reduce wastage, and ensure timely distribution across the state’s health facilities.
With this latest development, Lagos continues to set the benchmark for healthcare excellence, reinforcing its position as a leader in medical supply chain management in Nigeria.
At the unveiling, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, expressed profound gratitude to partners, stakeholders, and healthcare professionals who played a pivotal role in bringing the project to fruition. She emphasized that the Lagos State Government provided 15% counterpart funding for the upgrade, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to sustainable healthcare advancements.
“Lagos State has always been proactive in healthcare innovation. By investing in world-class storage and distribution infrastructure, we are securing the potency and availability of critical medical supplies for our people,” Dr. Ogunyemi stated.
The transformation of the LSMS was also lauded by Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health. Reflecting on his initial visit to the facility, he recalled witnessing the dilapidated infrastructure, non-functional generators, and difficult working conditions that once plagued the warehouse.
“I remember walking through the old warehouses and feeling deeply sorry for the staff who had to endure such conditions. Today, I am proud to see this facility transformed into a modern, efficient, and conducive workspace,” Dr. Ogboye remarked.
He also commended Pharm. (Mrs.) Oyebisi Omolambe, Director of Pharmaceutical Services, for her relentless dedication to the project, describing her contributions as a legacy that will shape Lagos’ healthcare supply chain for years to come.
With temperature-controlled storage, cold rooms, inventory management technologies, drug analysis laboratories, alternative power sources, and enhanced security, the upgraded warehouses are set to revolutionize medical logistics in Lagos. This initiative further cements the state’s position as a leader in healthcare excellence, ensuring that life-saving medications are always within reach for those who need them most.
While celebrating the achievements, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, stressed the importance of maintaining the integrity of the newly renovated facilities. He warned against the misuse of the warehouses, cautioning that they must not become dumping grounds for obsolete equipment, expired drugs, or archived documents.
“The maintenance of these high-tech warehouses is critical. We cannot afford to let them fall into disrepair. They are state-of-the-art, and their preservation is essential for sustained efficiency and safety,” Dr. Ogboye emphasized.
Pharm. (Mrs.) Oyebisi Omolambe, Director of Pharmaceutical Services, provided a comprehensive overview of the Pharmagrade Warehouse Project. She detailed the vital role of LSMS as a central hub for receiving, warehousing, and distributing medical and non-medical commodities for the Lagos State Ministry of Health. The newly upgraded warehouses boast a total storage capacity of 1,136.52m², with 272 racks and 1,632 pallet spaces, significantly expanding the state’s ability to manage its health supply chain efficiently.
This commitment to ongoing improvement underscores the Lagos State Government’s dedication to maintaining world-class healthcare standards, ensuring that essential medical supplies are safely stored and readily available for the benefit of all residents.
Moreso, Pharm. (Mrs.) Oyebisi Omolambe, Director of Pharmaceutical Services, highlighted the cutting-edge features of the new facilities, which include cooling systems, security cameras, controlled access points, emergency exits, fire suppression systems, and epoxy flooring to ensure both safety and operational efficiency. However, she also called for further infrastructure upgrades, such as a higher-capacity transformer, additional generators, and more shelving units to maximize storage capacity.
Mr. Abiodun Omoloja, Coordinator of the Global Fund Grant Management Unit, praised the Lagos State Government’s proactive approach to healthcare investments. He announced continued support from the Global Fund, revealing that renovations are already underway for Stores G and F, further enhancing the state’s medical storage and distribution capabilities.
Other distinguished figures present at the event, including Pharm. Sulaiman Hassan, Regional Director of USAID-GHSC, Pharm. Shakirat Adeosun, Director of Pharmaceutical Services at the Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board, and Pharm. (Dr.) Patricia Odunuga, Director of Pharmaceutical Services at LASUTH, also lauded the state’s commitment to healthcare excellence. They stressed the importance of proper maintenance to preserve the facilities and pledged continued collaboration to ensure that the warehouses maintain the highest standards of operation.
With these strategic upgrades, Lagos is setting the stage for enhanced medical supply chain management, ensuring that essential medicines are safely stored and readily accessible for the entire state.
Pharm. Sulaiman Hassan, Regional Director of USAID-GHSC, commended the state for its business-like efficiency in managing healthcare operations, noting that Lagos stands out among the 36 states in Nigeria.
“We have worked in all states, and Lagos truly excels. The level of commitment and professionalism here is exceptional,” he remarked.
Pharm. Shakirat Adeosun, Director of Pharmaceutical Services at the Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board, underscored the critical role of the upgraded warehouses in ensuring drug integrity, safety, and compliance with pharmaceutical standards. She assured that the Board would continue to support efforts to fully leverage the new infrastructure for the benefit of residents.
On behalf of LASUTH, Pharm. (Dr.) Patricia Odunuga highlighted the significance of a centralized pharmaceutical supply chain in combating counterfeit and substandard drugs. She expressed confidence that the new warehouses would empower LASUTH to more effectively procure safe and high-quality medications, thereby enhancing patient care.
The event was a testament to the Lagos State Government’s commitment to quality healthcare infrastructure, with stakeholders from various sectors pledging continued collaboration to maintain the highest standards in medical supply management.
The commissioning of two state-of-the-art Pharmagrade warehouses at the Lagos State Medical Store (LSMS) marks a pivotal achievement in Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ agenda, which focuses on enhancing healthcare infrastructure and service delivery. This milestone is set to significantly streamline the supply of medicines, minimizing delays, increasing accountability, and ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality medical commodities to every corner of the state.
Conclusively, with this upgrade, Lagos State continues to lead the way in healthcare innovation, reinforcing its commitment to accessible, efficient, and world-class medical services for all residents. The successful transformation of the LSMS facilities underscores the administration’s dedication to fortifying healthcare systems and improving service delivery, ensuring that life-saving medications reach those who need them most.
