Korede Abdullah in Lagos
In a major push to address the mental health crisis linked to gambling addiction, the Lagos State Government has announced the construction of a 500-bed psychiatric hospital with a 1,000-bed rehabilitation wing—the largest of its kind in West Africa.
Speaking at Gamble Alert’s Responsible Gaming symposium in Lagos, Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, represented by Dr. Tolu Ajomale, described the project as “a strategic investment directed by Mr. Governor to strengthen our mental healthcare system and address gambling as a growing public health concern.”
The move reflects Lagos’ most significant policy shift yet in confronting the hidden costs of Nigeria’s booming gaming industry, including addiction, depression, and social instability.
The Commissioner emphasized the urgent need for harm-reduction strategies across the gaming sector.
Praising Gamble Alert’s advocacy, he noted: “Operators must provide self-exclusion tools, but right now these are optional for users. We’re working to standardize these safeguards and enforce them through robust regulatory frameworks.”
Abayomi also revealed plans for a centralised national database to monitor gambling-related mental health cases and announced expanded grassroots sensitisation campaigns targeting informal urban communities.
“We’re committed to working with NGOs, regulators, and community groups to make responsible gaming the norm,” he added.
Adding his voice, Gamble Alert CEO Mr. Fisayo Oke stressed the importance of collective action. “Responsible gaming is not optional, it’s a business imperative. Protecting consumers ensures long-term sustainability for the industry,” Oke said, urging stronger safeguards and consumer protection measures.
