- Lagos to Enforce Mandatory Health Insurance for Residents Starting 2026
- Lagos residents will be required to present proof of health insurance enrollment before they can access public healthcare services
- Zamba emphasized LASHMA expansion into diagnostics, telemedicine, and virtual care services
The Lagos State Government has announced plans to begin enforcing a mandatory health insurance policy for all residents, Eko Hot Blog reports.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Health Management Agency, Dr Emmanuel Zamba, stated that enforcement will commence fully in early 2026, following the Executive Order signed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in July 2025.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Nigeria’s Goalkeeping Legend Peter Rufai Is Dead
- Travellers, Commuters Groans as Heavy Traffic Jam Stalls Movement on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
- Adamawa Hit by Renewed Unrest, Two Houses Burnt
Zamba shared this information during the Ilera Eko Providers Forum held at the Sheraton Hotel in Ikeja, where key players in the health insurance sector—including healthcare providers, health maintenance organisations, and technical partners—gathered to assess progress and plan future strategies.
According to the order, residents will be required to present proof of health insurance enrollment before they can access public healthcare services, with the exception of emergencies.
“We want all residents to be aware and onboard before enforcement begins,” the permanent secretary said, urging residents to embrace the scheme as a financial protection tool.
“We are finalising our emergency services programme to ensure that no Lagos resident is denied urgent care.”
“People in emergencies must be treated without first presenting an insurance ID,” Zamba added.
To enhance identity management and curb fraud, Zamba revealed that the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has partnered with the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency to deploy biometric card readers in health facilities across the state.
“This will eliminate impersonation and ensure only genuine enrollees benefit from the scheme,” she said.
He also emphasized the agency’s expansion into diagnostics, telemedicine, and virtual care services aimed at improving access to healthcare for remote and underserved communities.
“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 have also installed virtual booths in marketplaces to provide health education and consultation services on the go” he explained.
According to Zamba, the Ilera Eko Providers Forum serves not only as a platform for sharing information but also as a vital channel for gathering feedback.
He announced that LASHMA will begin holding quarterly engagement meetings with service providers to collect and act on their input, aiming to enhance the responsiveness and effectiveness of the health insurance scheme.
“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.
The permanent secretary noted that the state currently has more than 865 accredited healthcare providers, including primary health centres, dental and eye care specialists, and community pharmacies.
“Healthcare providers are now the gatekeepers of our scheme,” Zamba said, adding: “We are training them not just to offer care but to enrol clients right at their facilities as part of our broader strategy to drive up enrolment figures.”
Zamba disclosed that more than 400 providers have been trained through the newly launched Ilera Eko Academy, a platform designed to equip healthcare providers with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively support enrollment and implementation of the health insurance scheme.
