Adesegun Ogundeji, the Director of Strategy Centre for Lagos State’s Ministry of Information and Strategy, recently issued a defense of the state’s public services in response to an article by Dauda Busari. In doing so, he drew criticism for justifying key issues affecting the state, particularly around healthcare and traffic management. Ogundeji’s defense of health services was based on the claim that not all Primary Health Centres (PHCs) need to operate 24 hours a day. However, this defense has been viewed by many as inadequate, given that Lagos is the most populous city in Nigeria and a major global hub, where health emergencies can happen at any hour. His remarks suggested that certain PHCs operate only during specific hours, a position which many see as counterintuitive in a city with urgent healthcare demands.
Furthermore, Ogundeji highlighted the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme as a solution to healthcare access issues. He praised the scheme for allowing citizens to register for healthcare access and urged people to subscribe for emergencies. However, critics point out that this approach does little to address the urgent need for universally accessible, free healthcare, especially in a nation where poverty is widespread, and most cannot afford private insurance. There is also criticism that the government’s information about health insurance and its benefits has not reached the broader public effectively, as many remain unaware or misinformed about the options available to them.
The most criticized portion of Ogundeji’s response was his defense of staff behavior at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH). Busari had alleged that there was lackadaisical behavior at the hospital, a claim Ogundeji dismissed outright. Ogundeji cited LASUTH’s reputation as a top-tier medical facility with dedicated and professional staff, but many argue that even well-regarded institutions like LASUTH are not immune to occasional lapses in service quality, particularly in a healthcare system that is overburdened and under-resourced. Instead of investigating or even considering the possibility of suboptimal care, Ogundeji’s defense was seen as sweeping the issue under the rug.
When it comes to the traffic management situation in Lagos, Ogundeji was quick to quote the Lagos State Offender Penalty (LSOP42A) law to justify traffic fines. However, Busari had raised concerns that hefty fines and strict penalties placed excessive financial burdens on Lagosians, particularly lower-income residents who struggle to afford basic necessities, let alone traffic fines that can amount to significant portions of their monthly earnings. Ogundeji argued that high fines serve as a deterrent for traffic violations, but the public feels that such measures promote corruption within enforcement agencies, as citizens are often pressured into offering bribes to avoid these exorbitant fines. Busari’s claims of corruption within the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) were also brushed aside, with Ogundeji challenging him to provide specific details and name the officials involved. This challenge has been viewed as an impractical response to what is widely seen as systemic corruption in the state’s traffic management system.
The conversation around these issues points to a broader concern about government transparency and responsiveness to public feedback. While Ogundeji’s article sought to defend Lagos State’s policies and achievements, it failed to meaningfully address the concerns of citizens who face the realities of healthcare inefficiencies, economic strain from traffic fines, and frustrations with government services.
In conclusion, the Lagos State government’s response, as articulated by Ogundeji, highlights a disconnect between official policies and the lived experiences of the people. The critique by Busari was aimed at sparking a conversation about how the state could improve services, and while Ogundeji’s defense was technically aligned with the law, it missed the opportunity to engage with the broader societal issues at play. Moving forward, many believe that Lagos needs to prioritize greater public engagement, transparency, and a holistic approach to addressing the needs of its residents if it truly aims to be a world-class megacity.
