Government leaders, private sector representatives, development institutions, academia, and civil society organisations convened in Lagos for the Lagos State Care Policy Stakeholder Forum, a landmark gathering aimed at advancing the development of a comprehensive care policy framework for the state.

Hosted by Caring Africa in collaboration with the Nigeria Care Coalition, the forum brought together key stakeholders to examine the growing care needs of Nigeria’s largest economic hub and to explore how structured care systems can support families, strengthen the workforce, and drive inclusive economic growth.

As Nigeria’s commercial capital, Lagos is home to a rapidly expanding population and labor market. Participants highlighted that childcare, elder care, disability support, and caregiving responsibilities are increasingly shaping workforce participation and family wellbeing across the state.

Speaking at the forum, the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development emphasized the importance of recognizing care as a critical component of social development and economic stability.

“Care is foundational to the wellbeing of our communities and the productivity of our workforce. As Lagos continues to grow, we must ensure that our policies reflect the realities families face. Strengthening care systems will not only support children, aging adults, and persons with disabilities, but will also enable more parents particularly women to participate fully in the economy.”

The forum explored several priority areas for policy development, including: Strengthening childcare systems and regulatory standards. Supporting dignified aging through elder care structures. Expanding support services for persons with disabilities. Professionalising and protecting the care workforce. Encouraging employer-supported family policies. Developing governance and regulatory frameworks for care services.
Founder and Chief Care Officer of Caring Africa, Blessing Adesiyan, noted that the conversation around care must shift from informal responsibility to structured economic infrastructure.

“Care has long been treated as a private family issue, yet it is the invisible system that enables our economy to function. If Lagos is to remain competitive and inclusive, we must invest in care systems that support families, professionalize the care workforce, and enable women to participate fully in the labor market.”

Evidence shared during the forum underscored the economic importance of care systems, particularly in enabling women’s workforce participation and improving early childhood and family outcomes.

Participants expressed strong support for advancing the drafting of the Lagos State Care Policy, which aims to establish a coordinated framework for childcare, elder care, disability support, and workforce development within the care sector.

The initiative also aligns with broader national conversations around strengthening family support systems as Nigeria prepares for 2026, declared the Year of Social Development and Families.