The Lagos State Government has declared a sweeping ban on the training and employment of auxiliary nurses across all health facilities in the state. In a decisive move aimed at curbing medical malpractice and elevating healthcare standards, the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) announced that any hospital found training or employing auxiliary nurses will face immediate closure.
Dr. Abiola Idowu, Permanent Secretary of HEFAMAA, made the announcement during a sensitisation campaign in Alimosho Local Council. Represented by Dr. Olorunfemi Olonire, Director of Research and Statistics, she emphasized that auxiliary nurses have contributed more harm than good to the healthcare system. The state is now mandating that only qualified and licensed medical professionals are permitted to practice.
The crackdown comes amid growing concerns over misdiagnoses and unprofessional treatment in unregulated facilities. Between January and June 2025 alone, HEFAMAA shut down 32 health facilities for various infractions. Monitoring teams have been deployed across all local councils to enforce compliance and protect residents from unqualified personnel.
Community leaders have also weighed in. Oba Babatunde Nasiru, King of Shasha Kingdom, urged HEFAMAA to address poor staff attitudes in public hospitals and intensify oversight of government-run facilities. He warned that unless service delivery improves, residents may continue to seek care from unlicensed practitioners.
The government is calling on citizens to report illegal health facilities and quack practitioners, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding public health and restoring trust in the medical system.