The Lagos State Government on Tuesday launched the 2026 annual medical screening programme for civil servants, urging public workers to pay closer attention to their health through regular checks.
A statement by the Lagos State government said the initiative, tagged “Public Servants, Know Your Numbers,” was flagged off at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic, Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, by the Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro.
Speaking at the event, Agoro stressed the importance of a healthy workforce to effective service delivery, noting that physical and mental well-being are key to productivity in the public sector.
After declaring the programme open, he toured the facility, including the Lagos State Employee Wellness Centre (LASWELL), where he called for more focus on mental health among civil servants.
Agoro also commended Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for prioritising workers’ welfare, describing him as a “Talk and Do” leader committed to keeping employees healthy, happy and productive.
According to him, “A healthy staff is a happy staff, and a happy staff is a productive staff,” adding that Lagos can only maintain its leading position in public service performance with a workforce that is both physically and mentally fit.
He urged workers to take advantage of the screening, warning that many health conditions show no early signs and can only be detected through routine checks.
“Many of us do not take our health seriously, but this must change,” Agoro said.
Agoro disclosed that the programme is ongoing with no fixed timeline, encouraging civil servants to consistently monitor key health indicators such as blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
He noted that the government has provided funding for the initiative, including free medications, while also working to expand drug supply through partnerships with the private sector.
The Head of Service further advised workers to adopt healthier lifestyles, including regular exercise, proper diet, adequate rest and stress management, pointing out that modern work environments can increase health risks.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide, described the programme as a strategic effort to encourage workers to take responsibility for their health.
She explained that the “Know Your Numbers” campaign focuses on raising awareness about blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels, noting that many non-communicable diseases develop silently and are often discovered late.
Lajide said the programme, supported by the Governor and other top government officials, ensures that civil servants have access to free screening services, with trained healthcare professionals available to provide full medical support.
She added that the Directorate of Staff Health Services, which manages the Folarin Coker Clinic, operates a walk-in system that allows workers to access care at any time. She noted that serious cases identified during screening would be referred and supported under the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme.
Earlier, the Director of Staff Health Services, Dr. Abdulrasheed Kolade, said the programme is expected to cover between 3,500 and 4,000 civil servants each year across 14 to 15 Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
He explained that routine tests include blood pressure checks, fasting blood sugar tests and Body Mass Index assessment, with additional screenings such as prostate tests for men above 45 and breast screening for women when necessary.
Also speaking, a Nursing Officer at the Lagos State Employee Wellness Centre, Miss Olushola Callisto, highlighted the centre’s role in promoting mental health. She said services offered include counselling, therapy and psychiatric care for conditions such as stress, insomnia and depression.
She added that the centre operates an open-door policy and is stepping up awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and encourage more workers to seek mental health support.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, Lagos State Council, Comrade Olusegun Balogun, praised the government for reintroducing and expanding the screening programme.
“Regular medical screening enables early detection of illnesses and timely intervention, adding that the transition to biannual checks represents a significant improvement in staff welfare,” Balogun said.
A beneficiary, Mrs. Funmi Daramola, a civil servant from the Public Service Office, also commended the initiative, saying it provided useful health information and access to essential medical tests.
She added that the programme has helped workers better understand their health and encouraged them to adopt healthier lifestyles, while appreciating the presence and commitment of the Head of Service at the event.
