Sanwo-Olu Urges Passage of Protective HIV Laws, Proposes Quarterly Inter-SACA Review Meetings

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has called on State Houses of Assembly across Nigeria to prioritise the passage and implementation of protective laws that guarantee sustained funding, end discrimination, and promote inclusive service delivery for people living with HIV.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, Governor Sanwo-Olu made the call at the closing ceremony of the 7th National Council on AIDS (NCA), held at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu advocated for a shift from donor dependency to sustainable domestic strategies, proposing the institutionalisation of quarterly inter-SACA (State Agencies for the Control of AIDS) review meetings to ensure coordinated, long-term HIV responses.

“We must shift from dependency to sustainability, from fragmented responses to coordinated systems, and from ad hoc programming to long-term strategic planning,” he said.

Highlighting Lagos State's integrated approach, Sanwo-Olu said his administration has expanded access to community-based testing and treatment, strengthened care linkages, and launched the Lagos State HIV Trust Fund to drive domestic financing of the HIV response.

The Governor also noted ongoing reforms to the Lagos HIV Anti-Stigma Law, reaffirming the state’s commitment to equity, dignity, and justice for people living with HIV. “Our response is being aligned with our Universal Health Coverage agenda. Health must be equitable, accessible, and people-driven,” he added.

Sanwo-Olu warned that with global donor support diminishing, Nigeria must take ownership of its national HIV response by building resilient systems that can withstand policy and funding shifts. He urged that the Council’s resolutions must be implemented, not shelved: “They must find life in our budgets, policies, legislative actions, and most importantly, in the lives of our people.”

In his goodwill message, Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Control, estimated that Nigeria requires $8 billion annually to sustain the HIV/AIDS fight. He reaffirmed the National Assembly's commitment to pushing for increased domestic funding and sustained legislative support.

“Ending the HIV epidemic is not only about diagnosis and treatment, but also about addressing the broader health needs of those affected. Parliament must lead by example in strengthening this response,” Ogah said.

The 7th National Council on AIDS brought together stakeholders from across Nigeria to deliberate on policy direction and collaborative strategies in the fight against HIV/AIDS.