One year after Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu signed the historic Executive Order mandating social health insurance, the Lagos State Government has officially shifted from policy advocacy to active enforcement. The move aims to integrate the state’s estimated 20 million residents into a structured health coverage system, effectively ending the era of “out-of-pocket” healthcare spending.
The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) signaled the commencement of this new phase by convening leadership from across the state’s 57 LGAs and LCDAs. The directive is clear: compliance at the grassroots is no longer optional.
Grassroots Integration and the “Ilera Eko” Mandate
Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, described the current escalation as a strategic effort to “deepen compliance and strengthen operational alignment.” Under the new enforcement framework, residents visiting Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs)—the backbone of community health—will now be required to show proof of enrollment in the “Ilera Eko” scheme.
“This is a deliberate and coordinated effort to translate policy into measurable outcomes,” Dr. Zamba stated. “In a megacity like Lagos, health insurance is no longer optional—it is essential to prevent families from sliding into poverty due to medical bills.”
While officials clarified that care will not be denied to those in urgent need, the state is increasingly linking health insurance to other government services, similar to tax compliance requirements.
Phase One: Public Service and Corporate Compliance
The enforcement is being rolled out in phases. The first quarter of 2026 focuses on Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
- Staff Audits: Evidence of Ilera Eko enrollment is now mandatory for civil servants during monthly audits.
- Salary Withholding: The Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro, warned that salaries may be withheld for non-compliant officers.
- Government Subsidy: To ease the transition, the state government currently covers 75% of the premium for public servants, leaving employees to contribute only 25%.
Expanding the Safety Net
To support the indigent and vulnerable, the Ilera Eko Equity Fund has been tripled from ₦1 billion to ₦3 billion. This fund ensures that the poorest Lagosians are not left behind as the state moves toward Universal Health Coverage.
Quick Guide: Ilera Eko Enrolment
For residents yet to comply, the state has provided multiple registration channels:
- USSD: Dial
*6700*006# - Digital: Visit the official LASHMA portal or use the Ilera Eko app.
- In-Person: LASHMA Headquarters, Alausa, or any of the 706 accredited healthcare facilities statewide.
| Plan Type | Annual Premium | Coverage Scope |
| Standard Individual | ₦10,000 | Basic outpatient and inpatient care. |
| Standard Jara | ₦15,000 | Enhanced benefits including specific screenings. |
| Standard Jara Plus | ₦40,000 | Premium access with expanded specialist consultations. |
| Family Packages | Scaled by size | Comprehensive cover for households of 4–6 persons. |
