In the fast-paced, ever-evolving landscape of Lagos, the role of public service is crucial in translating government policies into life-enhancing projects for the people. One agency that has been at the forefront of this transformation is the Lagos State Infrastructure Asset Management Agency (LASIAMA).
This agency has played a critical role in driving infrastructural renewal across various sectors, especially healthcare, education, and public safety. Through strategic facility management innovation and a commitment to sustainability, LASIAMA has been instrumental in enhancing the state’s infrastructure and public services.
Under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the government has prioritized the modernization of public facilities to create a work environment that fosters productivity, efficiency, and better service delivery. LASIAMA, tasked with upgrading and maintaining dilapidated public infrastructure, has implemented an ambitious renovation program, focusing on key buildings that house essential ministries and public services.
Notable among these projects are extensive refurbishments at the State Secretariat, Alausa. The renovation of key buildings has made these facilities more conducive to the work of public servants. Beyond this, LASIAMA has overseen the renovation of other significant public buildings, including the Local Government Service Commission, the Lagos Drivers’ Institute, and the Lagos Television Complex, all contributing to a safer, more productive work environment for public servants.
However, perhaps the most significant aspect of LASIAMA’s work lies in its contribution to healthcare infrastructure, which is a top priority for the government. Healthcare in Lagos has seen transformative changes through LASIAMA’s intervention in upgrading facilities across the state. Central to this transformation has been the introduction of a standardized facility management structure at key health institutions like the Infectious Disease Hospital in Yaba and various Maternal and Child Care Centers (MCCs).
Effective facility management in healthcare settings is crucial, especially given the growing demand for quality healthcare services. LASIAMA’s efforts in establishing a structured maintenance framework for hospitals and healthcare centers have helped to meet these demands.
The creation of a standardized facility management system ensures that hospitals like the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) and the Infectious Disease Hospital are equipped to handle not only day-to-day operations but also health emergencies.
Each of Facility Management Companies now employs an average of 43 non-clinical staff, including cleaners, security personnel, and maintenance workers. This staffing structure is vital for both maintaining operational efficiency and fostering community engagement. These jobs also contribute to the local economy, as they offer stable employment opportunities for Lagosians.
By focusing on improving healthcare infrastructure facilities, the government has ensured that these facilities not only provide quality healthcare but also maintain a clean, safe, and sustainable environment for both patients and staff. This alignment between facility management and public health goals has been transformative for the state’s healthcare delivery.
In addition to creating jobs within the healthcare system, LASIAMA’s approach has spurred economic growth in other sectors as well. For example, partnerships with facility management companies have contributed immensely to maintaining public health infrastructure. These collaborations have led to more efficient facility upkeep, allowing healthcare workers to focus on patient care without being bogged down by logistical issues.
The partnership with specialized service providers highlights the advantages of outsourcing facility management tasks. This approach allows the healthcare system to function more smoothly, reducing operational downtime and enabling healthcare workers to provide better patient care.
One particularly impactful collaboration is at the MCC in Epe, where the introduction of facility management services has not only improved the quality of healthcare services but also created employment opportunities for the local population. This is a prime example of how LASIAMA’s facility management initiatives have dual benefits: improving healthcare delivery while supporting local businesses and creating jobs.
One of the notable outcomes of LASIAMA’s initiatives has been the creation of significant job opportunities for Lagosians. In addition to the non-clinical staff employed in healthcare facilities, the renovation and maintenance projects have generated work for tradespeople, including bricklayers, welders, electricians, and painters. These efforts have had a positive impact on the local economy, providing a steady stream of employment while improving the overall quality of public services.
The state’s focus on infrastructural investment has not only enhanced the physical environment of government offices and healthcare facilities but also fostered a culture of accountability and efficiency within the public sector. By ensuring that government facilities are well-maintained, LASIAMA has helped to elevate the overall standard of service delivery, which in turn benefits citizens in their daily interactions with public institutions.
In addition to its work in healthcare and public offices, LASIAMA has also made significant contributions to the education sector. Since 2019, the agency has completed major renovations in over 100 public secondary schools, including high-impact upgrades at institutions such as Aiyedere Ajibola Junior and Senior High Schools and Unity Junior High School. These renovations have focused on improving the learning environment, from general repairs and roofing to modernizing classrooms and common areas.
To sustain these improvements, LASIAMA introduced a six-month structured maintenance program for 94 rehabilitated schools, providing ongoing support and creating jobs for local workers. This initiative underscores the state government’s commitment to improving educational infrastructure and creating an environment conducive to learning for Lagosian students.
Recognizing the vital role of public safety in maintaining a thriving metropolis, the Sanwo-Olu administration has also prioritized the rehabilitation of fire stations across the state. LASIAMA successfully overseen the renovation of 13 fire stations, including the reconstruction of two others, such as the headquarters at Alausa, which was transformed into a modern multi-story facility. These upgrades have improved the working conditions of emergency responders and enhance the effectiveness of fire and rescue services, ultimately ensuring a safer environment for all Lagosians.
The emphasis on sustainability is another critical aspect of LASIAMA’s work. In maintaining public health facilities, the agency has worked to incorporate environmental health and safety (HSE) standards into every aspect of its operations. Dedicated HSE teams ensure that all government facilities adhere to best practices, safeguarding both staff and patients. This proactive approach is especially important in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, where maintaining strict health and safety protocols has become essential for the continued delivery of quality services.
The successes of LASIAMA in revitalizing Lagos’ infrastructure are clear, but the agency’s work is far from finished. As the city continues to grow and evolve, LASIAMA will play an increasingly vital role in ensuring that public facilities keep pace with the demands of a rapidly expanding population. With ongoing renovations and upgrades to public offices, healthcare centers, and educational institutions, LASIAMA is helping to shape a future where Lagosians enjoy the benefits of efficient, well-maintained public services.
As LASIAMA continues to implement its infrastructure renewal strategy, it is clear that the agency will be a key player in achieving the ambitious goals of the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda—focused on health, education, infrastructure, and public safety.
By modernizing public spaces, creating jobs, and improving service delivery across multiple sectors, LASIAMA has demonstrated that infrastructure renewal is not just about building or renovating physical structures but about building a foundation for sustainable growth and development in Lagos. This holistic approach to infrastructure management is setting new standards for governance and service delivery, ensuring that Lagos remains a thriving, world-class metropolis for generations to come.
Musbau is the Director of Public Affairs, LASIAMA, Alausa, Ikeja.
