Activist Scott Iguma Slams Lagos State Government Over ‘Disgusting’ Primary Health Center for Pregnant Women and Children
In a scathing critique that has sparked online outrage, Nigerian activist Scott Iguma has exposed the dire conditions at a primary health center in Lagos, labeling it the “most disgusting looking” facility meant to serve pregnant women and children. The viral video, shared on social media, highlights crumbling infrastructure and neglect, raising alarms about maternal and child healthcare in Africa’s largest city.
The Viral Exposure: Iguma’s On-Site Visit
Scott Iguma, a prominent Nigerian activist known for advocating social justice and public accountability, conducted an impromptu visit to a primary health center in Victoria Garden City (VGC), Lagos. In a video posted on September 10, 2025, Iguma documented the facility’s shocking state: peeling walls, outdated equipment, empty rooms, and an overall sense of abandonment. He described the center as unfit for its purpose, emphasizing its role in providing immunization for newborns and essential care for pregnant women.
“This is the most disgusting looking primary health center provided by the Lagos state government for pregnant women and children,” Iguma stated in the clip, panning across dilapidated wards and urging immediate intervention. The footage, which has garnered thousands of views on X (formerly Twitter), shows basic amenities lacking, with Iguma questioning how such a facility could support vulnerable populations amid Lagos’ bustling urban growth.
Background: Lagos Healthcare Struggles Amid Rapid Urbanization
Lagos, Nigeria’s economic powerhouse with over 20 million residents, faces chronic healthcare challenges despite being Africa’s most populous city. Primary health centers (PHCs) are the first line of defense for maternal and child health, offering services like prenatal care, vaccinations, and postnatal support. However, underfunding, overcrowding, and poor maintenance have plagued the system for years.
The VGC center, intended to serve a middle-class enclave, exemplifies broader issues. Activists like Iguma have long criticized the Lagos State Government for prioritizing flashy infrastructure projects over essential services. Recent reports indicate that while the state boasts 328 PHCs, many operate below capacity due to dilapidation, with only 40% meeting basic standards according to a 2024 WHO assessment. Maternal mortality remains high at 560 per 100,000 live births, far above global targets, underscoring the urgency of Iguma’s call.
Iguma, who has previously spotlighted issues like police brutality and environmental neglect, used this visit to tie healthcare decay to governance failures under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Public Outcry and Online Reactions
The video ignited a firestorm on social media, with users echoing Iguma’s frustration. One commenter lamented, “Look at the Lagos health center in VGC, as shown by Scott Iguma, looking dilapidated and empty. Imagine the ones in Ikorodu and Badagry.” Hashtags like #FixLagosHealth and #ScottIguma trended briefly, amplifying calls for accountability.
Nigerians shared personal stories of similar experiences, from long waits to unhygienic conditions, fueling demands for reform. Critics accused the government of hosting “elaborate events to steal money” while neglecting basics, referencing upcoming malaria review meetings at luxury venues like Eko Hotels. Supporters praised Iguma for “speaking truth to power,” with the post racking up over 2,600 views in hours.
Health experts, including those from the Nigerian Medical Association, have backed such exposés, warning that substandard facilities contribute to vaccine hesitancy and preventable deaths among children.
Government Response and Broader Implications
As of September 10, 2025, the Lagos State Ministry of Health has not issued an official statement on Iguma’s video. However, Commissioner for Health Prof. Akin Abayomi has previously defended ongoing upgrades, citing budget constraints and partnerships with private entities. The state allocated ₦100 billion to health in its 2025 budget, but activists argue it’s insufficient for the population’s needs.
For everyday Nigerians, especially in underserved areas, this highlights the gap between urban wealth and public service delivery. Pregnant women and children, already vulnerable, face heightened risks—Lagos reports over 300,000 annual births, many reliant on PHCs. Economically, poor healthcare deters investment and burdens families with out-of-pocket costs, estimated at 70% of health spending.
Politically, Iguma’s callout pressures the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of local elections, potentially galvanizing opposition voices. It also ties into national debates on universal health coverage under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Urgent Reforms
Scott Iguma’s bold confrontation of the Lagos State Government’s neglect at the VGC primary health center serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of inaction. The “disgusting” conditions exposed in his video demand swift upgrades to protect mothers and children.
As public pressure mounts, the government must prioritize funding and oversight to bridge healthcare disparities. For Lagosians, this is more than a critique—it’s a plea for a healthier future, urging leaders to turn words into action before more lives are at risk.