Shock and outrage erupted when Badagry Today investigators exposed a deep health crisis at Pota Primary Health Centre in Badagry LGA, Lagos State. Residents had sent photographs showing dead snakes inside the government facility. So investigators visited—and discovered a crumbling structure overrun by reptiles and neglect. What once served local towns and communities now lies in ruins—unfit even for shelter, let alone delivering care.
Staff Report Over 20 Snakes Killed Across the Facility
Several nurses spoke anonymously, fearing reprisal. They reported that staff killed more than 20 snakes in recent months. These reptiles appeared everywhere—from the labour ward and doctors’ offices to the reception, laboratory, and toilets. Clearly, the hospital environment no longer ensures patient or worker safety.
No Electricity: Staff Work by Candlelight and a Solitary Bulb
When night falls, the PHC descends into darkness. The facility lacks consistent electricity. Staff rely on candlelight—or a single solar-powered bulb—to deliver services. A once-donated generator from a mosque now sits unused because the government fails to supply fuel. One staff member lamented, “How can you deliver a baby or treat a patient by candlelight in 2025?”
Complaints to Local Government Fall on Deaf Ears
Despite submitting multiple letters to the Badagry Local Government, which oversees Pota PHC, staff say the response has been meaningless. “They nod. They leave,” said one insider. “Nothing changes.” They described growing frustration as new promises fail to materialize.
Last Major Intervention Occurred in 2021—By a Private NGO
The last significant upgrade happened in 2021—not through government action, but via a donation by Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan’s foundation. They provided medical beds, wheelchairs, fans, benches, and essential items. Since then, government upgrades have not followed—and staff claim the PHC continues to worsen by the day.
Local Community Questions Priorities as New PHC Opens in Ajido
Curiously, the Badagry Local Government recently commissioned a new health centre in nearby Ajido. Residents express confusion and anger: if government ignores existing facilities, why build new ones? One local asked: “Shouldn’t we fix what we have before constructing more?”
Access Road in Decades-Long Disrepair Constrains Care Access
The larger crisis extends beyond the PHC. The Mowo–Ikoga–Zebbe Road, the main route to Pota PHC, has fallen into disrepair for over ten years. Residents say past Lagos State Government responses amounted to temporary pothole-fillings rather than lasting upgrades. This road is vital for access to health, education, and economic activity. Consequently, during the rainy season it transforms into a risk zone—and there are even reports of students drowning attempting to cross flooded sections.
Badagry’s Neglect Contradicts Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus Vision
Governor Babajide Sanwo‑Olu’s THEMES Plus Agenda champions inclusive infrastructure and health development. Yet, residents say conditions in Badagry belie that promise. While other parts of Lagos display visible progress, Pota PHC reflects a troubling gap in service delivery. Community members wonder: if the state can fund new health centres, why abandon existing ones and allow such filth and danger to persist?
What Happens Next: Urgent Action or Continued Silence?
Clearly, urgent intervention is overdue. Local activists and concerned citizens now demand:
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Immediate sweep and sanitization of the facility to eliminate snakes.
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Reliable electricity—either generator fuel provision or solar power upgrade.
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Structural rehabilitation of the dilapidated building.
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Road resurfacing and proper drainage for Mowo–Ikoga–Zebbe Road.
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Transparent explanation from the Local Government regarding resource allocation decisions.
Without action, Pota PHC remains a symbol of official neglect and broken public trust. If government inaction continues, expect mounting community pressure, media attention, and potential health outcomes to deteriorate further.
Conclusion: Government Must Act Now
In short, Pota PHC’s snake infestation, power outage and structural decay underscore systemic neglect. Worse, failure to prioritize existing clinics while building new ones reflects a misaligned governance agenda. Only urgent intervention—on power, infrastructure, safety and staffing—can restore this centre’s function, credibility, and its long-overlooked promise to serve over forty surrounding communities.
