August 3, 2025
Health

Lagos Inaugurates Implementation Team for Mandatory Health Insurance Scheme

LAGOS — The Lagos State Government has officially inaugurated an implementation team tasked with the rollout and enforcement of its mandatory health insurance policy, a bold step aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through the Ilera Eko Health Scheme.

The inauguration ceremony, held at the Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja, marked a significant milestone in the state’s commitment to strengthening its healthcare system and ensuring that all residents have access to affordable and quality healthcare services.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, described the establishment of the implementation team as a proactive response to the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act of 2022. He explained that the team’s mandate includes overseeing the full domestication of the federal health insurance law, as well as operationalising the Executive Order signed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on compulsory health insurance in Lagos State.

According to the Commissioner, the newly inaugurated team comprises representatives from the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), the Ministry of Health, healthcare providers, Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs), civil society groups, labour unions, and private sector stakeholders. Their collective role is to drive mass enrollment, sensitisation campaigns, digital access to health services, and strict compliance with the law.

“The journey toward achieving universal health coverage in Lagos cannot be realised without accountability, structure, and inclusive participation. This team has been carefully constituted to ensure that every stakeholder plays a vital role in the implementation of this transformative policy,” Abayomi stated.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, reiterated that mandatory enrollment into the Ilera Eko Health Scheme would soon become fully enforceable across all sectors of the state. She disclosed that enforcement is expected to commence in the third quarter of 2025, following months of intensified public education, registration drives, and system integration.

To support enrollment and accessibility, the Lagos State Government also unveiled the Ilera Eko Virtual Booth initiative. The smart kiosks—staffed by trained personnel—will offer residents an easy way to enroll in the health scheme, access telemedicine consultations, and receive referrals, especially in underserved communities. The initiative is being deployed in partnership with the private sector, including financial institutions such as Sterling Bank.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the LASHMA Board, Dr. Adebayo Adedewe, stressed that the health insurance scheme would be sustainably funded through the Lagos State Health Fund, which receives not less than 1% of the state’s Consolidated Revenue Fund annually. He noted that the fund will be used to subsidise coverage for vulnerable groups including the elderly, pregnant women, children, and those living with disabilities.

The Lagos State Government affirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration with the private sector, civil society, and international development partners to ensure the long-term success of the initiative. The government also assured that penalties for non-compliance will be fully outlined as the policy takes effect.