Lagos to build West Africa’s largest psychiatric hospital and rehab centre
The initiative signifies Lagos’ most decisive policy step yet to address the health risks associated with Nigeria’s rapidly growing gaming industry.
Nigeria.- The Lagos State government is constructing a 500-bed psychiatric hospital and a 1,000-bed rehabilitation centre to address the growing mental health needs of its citizens, particularly those affected by gambling addiction. The facility, when complete, will be the biggest of its kind in West Africa.
The announcement was made by the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, represented by the Head of Special Projects and Mental Health at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Tolu Ajomale, at the Gamble Alert symposium held in Lagos on June 11, 2025.
According to Abayomi, the initiative is a strategic investment by the Governor to enhance the state’s mental healthcare system and tackle the growing problem of gambling.
While acknowledging gambling as a legitimate revenue-generating activity, Abayomi cautioned that it also poses significant risks like addiction, depression and social instability.
The commissioner commended Gamble Alert’s efforts and emphasised the need for the industry to implement initiatives to reduce harm, including stricter regulation of online betting platforms. He added that the state is working on standardising and implementing uniform player safeguards and revealed plans to establish a centralised national database to monitor and track mental health cases related to gambling.
Abayomi disclosed that Lagos is intensifying grassroots awareness through roadshows, flyers, local radio and outreach campaigns to reach marginalised communities where gambling is prevalent. He affirmed the government’s commitment to collaborating with NGOs, regulators and community groups to build a culture of responsible gaming.
This initiative signifies Lagos’ most decisive policy step yet to address the health risks associated with Nigeria’s rapidly growing gaming industry, particularly among vulnerable youth and low-income individuals.
