Six Million Lagos Residents Living With Hypertension, Says Health Commissioner

The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, has raised a serious alarm

regarding the heavy burden of non-communicable diseases in the state. During a recent health dialogue, the Commissioner disclosed that no fewer than six million residents are currently living with hypertension. He described the situation as a growing public health challenge that requires immediate and sustained intervention from both the government and the public.

Prof. Abayomi labeled hypertension, alongside diabetes and obesity, as "silent killers" because they often progress without obvious symptoms until severe damage is done. According to the World Health Organization, hypertension is defined by blood pressure readings consistently at or above 140/90 mmHg. The condition is a leading cause of premature death globally, significantly increasing the risk of heart failure, kidney disease, and strokes.

The statistics provided by the Commissioner are particularly striking, indicating that 20% of Lagosians—roughly six million people out of an estimated population of 30 million—are affected. Alarmingly, data suggests that about 70% of these individuals, or 4.2 million people, are unaware of their status. This lack of diagnosis means many residents are not receiving the necessary treatment to manage the condition before it becomes fatal.

​The Commissioner linked this health crisis to a wider weakness in the primary healthcare system. He observed that many residents bypass local Primary Health Centres (PHCs), opting instead for private hospitals or informal vendors like patent medicine sellers. This pattern often prevents early detection and consistent follow-up care, which are essential for managing chronic conditions that require long-term medication and lifestyle monitoring

To combat this trend, the state is advocating for simple but effective interventions such as regular blood pressure checks, reduced salt intake, and increased physical activity. Prof. Abayomi urged residents to utilize PHCs for routine screenings, noting that many complications overwhelming larger hospitals could be prevented with early detection. The government remains committed to strengthening the PHC system to make these essential services more accessible to every Lagosian.