The Lagos State Government has announced plans to begin enforcement of the compulsory health insurance policy for all residents by early 2026, in line with an Executive Order signed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in July 2025.
The announcement was made by the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Dr. Emmanuel Zamba, during the Ilera Eko Providers Forum held at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja. The event brought together key stakeholders across the health insurance ecosystem, including healthcare providers, Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs), and technical partners.
“We want all residents to be aware and onboard before enforcement begins,” Zamba said, urging citizens to embrace the health insurance scheme as a financial protection tool.
The Executive Order mandates that residents must show proof of enrollment in a health insurance scheme to access public health services, except during emergencies.
“People in emergencies must be treated without first presenting an insurance ID. We are finalising our emergency services programme to ensure that no Lagos resident is denied urgent care,” she added.
To strengthen identity management and prevent fraud, LASHMA has partnered with the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) to deploy biometric card readers across healthcare facilities. This is aimed at eliminating impersonation and ensuring only genuine enrollees benefit from the scheme.
Zamba also highlighted the agency’s expansion into telemedicine, virtual care, and diagnostic services to improve healthcare access in remote and underserved areas.
“Even if there is no facility near you, you can dial a toll-free number or use our app for a live consultation with a doctor, 24/7. We’ve also installed virtual booths in markets to provide health education and on-the-go consultations,” he explained.
The Ilera Eko Providers Forum, Zamba emphasized, is more than an information-sharing platform—it's a critical feedback mechanism for stakeholders.
He announced that LASHMA would hold quarterly engagement meetings with healthcare providers to improve responsiveness and strengthen the scheme’s effectiveness.
“This is a partnership. And like all successful partnerships, it must be mutually beneficial. We are here to listen, dialogue, and find lasting solutions together,” he said.
Currently, the scheme boasts over 865 accredited healthcare providers, ranging from primary health centres to specialist services in dental, optical, and community pharmacies.
Zamba also revealed that over 400 providers have been trained under the newly launched Ilera Eko Academy, aimed at equipping health workers with tools to enroll clients directly from their facilities and drive up participation.
The Lagos State Government reiterated its commitment to achieving universal health coverage and reducing out-of-pocket health expenses through the effective implementation of the Ilera Eko Health Insurance Scheme.Lagos to Begin Enforcement of Mandatory Health Insurance Policy by 2026
The Lagos State Government has announced plans to begin enforcement of the compulsory health insurance policy for all residents by early 2026, in line with an Executive Order signed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in July 2025.
The announcement was made by the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Dr. Emmanuel Zamba, during the Ilera Eko Providers Forum held at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja. The event brought together key stakeholders across the health insurance ecosystem, including healthcare providers, Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs), and technical partners.
“We want all residents to be aware and onboard before enforcement begins,” Zamba said, urging citizens to embrace the health insurance scheme as a financial protection tool.
The Executive Order mandates that residents must show proof of enrollment in a health insurance scheme to access public health services, except during emergencies.
“People in emergencies must be treated without first presenting an insurance ID. We are finalising our emergency services programme to ensure that no Lagos resident is denied urgent care,” she added.
To strengthen identity management and prevent fraud, LASHMA has partnered with the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) to deploy biometric card readers across healthcare facilities. This is aimed at eliminating impersonation and ensuring only genuine enrollees benefit from the scheme.
Zamba also highlighted the agency’s expansion into telemedicine, virtual care, and diagnostic services to improve healthcare access in remote and underserved areas.
“Even if there is no facility near you, you can dial a toll-free number or use our app for a live consultation with a doctor, 24/7. We’ve also installed virtual booths in markets to provide health education and on-the-go consultations,” he explained.
The Ilera Eko Providers Forum, Zamba emphasized, is more than an information-sharing platform—it's a critical feedback mechanism for stakeholders.
He announced that LASHMA would hold quarterly engagement meetings with healthcare providers to improve responsiveness and strengthen the scheme’s effectiveness.
“This is a partnership. And like all successful partnerships, it must be mutually beneficial. We are here to listen, dialogue, and find lasting solutions together,” he said.
Currently, the scheme boasts over 865 accredited healthcare providers, ranging from primary health centres to specialist services in dental, optical, and community pharmacies.
Zamba also revealed that over 400 providers have been trained under the newly launched Ilera Eko Academy, aimed at equipping health workers with tools to enroll clients directly from their facilities and drive up participation.
The Lagos State Government reiterated its commitment to achieving universal health coverage and reducing out-of-pocket health expenses through the effective implementation of the Ilera Eko Health Insurance Scheme.