National Orthopaedic Hospital Igbobi Lagos
80 Years of
Healing Nigeria
Serving, Caring and Restoring — Since 1945
1945 · A Legacy of Excellence · 2025
Serving, Caring and Restoring — Since 1945
1945 · A Legacy of Excellence · 2025
Hospital History
The National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos started in 1943/44 as a rehabilitation camp for wounded soldiers returning from World War II. In December 1945, two Nigerian nurses were posted by the Colonial Medical Services, marking its transition into an orthopaedic institution under Dr. Tom Lambert Lawson.
The hospital initially offered general surgical, gynaecological and medical services, while artificial limb and brace services began through a team led by Mr. Toloni. Reforms introduced by Sir Samuel Manuwa in 1948 focused the institution on orthopaedics, rehabilitation and traumatology, transforming it into a major referral centre for Nigeria and neighbouring West African states.
During Queen Elizabeth II's 1956 visit, the hospital was renamed the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital. After state creation in 1967, the Lagos State Government took over and the "Royal" prefix was dropped. In 1975, the Federal Government took over the hospital, alongside the orthopaedic hospitals in Kano and Enugu, to strengthen specialist care, training and research nationally.
Through the 3rd and 4th National Development Plans, major redevelopment followed. Decree 91 of 1979 established the Orthopaedic Hospitals Management Board, and the hospital was designated a WHO Collaborating Centre in 1981 for training and research. Burns, plastic and reconstructive surgery services were also introduced to support comprehensive trauma management.
Today, NOHIL delivers advanced care across orthopaedic deformities, burns, spinal cord injuries, prosthetics and orthotics, physiotherapy, and diagnostic services. It continues to expand in sub-specialties including arthroscopy/sports medicine, arthroplasty, paediatric orthopaedics, oncology and spine surgery, supported by multidisciplinary teams.
With a 450-bed capacity, strong annual clinic attendance, and sustained surgical excellence, the hospital remains one of the leading orthopaedic and trauma centres in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa.
By the Numbers
Through the Decades
The institution began as a rehabilitation camp for wounded soldiers returning from the World War II theatre.
Two Nigerian nurses were posted by the Colonial Medical Services, marking its transition into a Government Orthopaedic Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre under Dr. Tom Lambert Lawson.
Sir Samuel Manuwa's reforms restricted services to orthopaedics, rehabilitation and traumatology, expanding facilities and strengthening NOHIL as a referral centre.
During Queen Elizabeth II's visit to Nigeria, the hospital was renamed the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital.
With state creation, Lagos State Government took over the hospital and the "Royal" prefix was dropped from its name.
Federal Government takeover followed rising national demand caused by post-war industrial and road traffic trauma cases.
Decree 91 created the Orthopaedic Hospitals Management Board; modernization accelerated, NOHIL became a WHO Collaborating Centre, and burns/plastic services were introduced.
With 450-bed capacity, strong annual clinic attendance, and expanding sub-specialties, NOHIL remains a leading orthopaedic, trauma and rehabilitation centre in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa.
Anniversary Celebration
Celebrating Years of Excellence in Healthcare
Eighty years ago, a vision was planted — to give Nigerians world-class orthopaedic care on home soil. Today that vision stands tall, like the iconic Iroko tree at NOHIL's heart, with deep roots and a canopy that shades millions. Join us as we honour the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the next 80 years.
Mark Your Calendar
The official NOHIL @ 80 anniversary week runs from Sunday 17th May to Friday 22nd May 2026, featuring worship services, public engagement, outreach, and a flagship lecture and awards ceremony.
Thanksgiving Service at the NOHIL Chapel to open the anniversary week in worship and gratitude.
A public awareness walk highlighting NOHIL's legacy in orthopaedic care and its continuing impact on community health.
A friendly novelty match designed to build camaraderie and celebrate the people behind eight decades of service.
Community outreach at Alade Market, Somolu, Lagos, extending care, awareness, and goodwill beyond the hospital grounds.
Anniversary lecture, exhibition of products and services by clinical departments, commissioning of new building projects, and award ceremony.
Jumat Service at the NOHIL Mosque, Lagos, bringing the commemorative week to a reflective close.
Outcomes & Transformations
Eight decades of surgical excellence — from corrective orthopaedic procedures and fracture fixations to burns reconstruction and limb salvage. These cases represent the life-changing transformations made possible by NOHIL's multidisciplinary teams. All images are shared with patient consent and have been anonymised where required.
Significant lateral curvature of the spine corrected through posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion, restoring a straight spinal axis and preventing further progression.
✓ Spinal alignment restored
Marked spinal curvature with visible rib hump corrected via posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion. Post-operative result shows a significantly straightened spine with a well-healed midline scar.
✓ Curvature significantly corrected
Debilitating bilateral varus (bow-leg) deformity prevented normal standing and walking. Corrective osteotomy of both lower limbs restored upright stance, straight leg alignment, and independent ambulation.
✓ Normal upright stance and gait restored
Massive lobular soft tissue growths encircling the submandibular region and neck were surgically excised, restoring normal neck contour, improving airway patency, and enabling the patient to hold their head comfortably.
✓ Neck contour and function restoredOur Foundation
A selfless commitment to every patient who walks through our doors — providing expert care regardless of background.
Compassion at the centre of every interaction — treating patients with dignity, empathy, and respect at all times.
Using the very best of orthopaedic science and technology to restore mobility, independence, and quality of life.