The Lagos state government plans to enforce mandatory health insurance for residents of the state.

This was made known at the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), 2025 edition of its Ilera Eko Annual Provider Forum, where over 800 health care providers and stakeholders met to deepen collaboration, professionalism, and innovation in the delivery of health insurance services across the state.

The high-level engagement, centered on the theme: “Driving Universal Health Coverage through Strategic Partnerships.”

Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, said enforcement of mandatory health insurance in the State would begin in early 2026, following the Lagos state Governor’s Executive Order issued in July 2024.

“We want all residents to be aware and onboard before enforcement begins,” she said.

Dr. Zamba revealed that the agency now has over 865 empaneled providers.

She also revealed that LASHMA has made critical structural reforms, such as transitioning service authorizations and claims vetting from third-party administrators to an in-house team.

Stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Executive Order mandating enrollment into the ILERA EKO Social Health Insurance Scheme.

Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, emphasized the importance of mutual understanding between LASHMA and service providers.

He said that the forum enables a balanced view of the challenges on both sides, ensuring continuous improvements in the scheme’s implementation.

Dr. Ogboye urged providers to see health insurance as a win-win for both patients and practitioners.

“It guarantees payment and sustainability for providers while protecting patients from financial hardship. Let’s commit to making it work for the benefit of all,” says Ogboye.

Chairman of the Healthcare Providers’ Association of Nigeria, Biola Paul-Ozie, commended LASHMA for setting the pace nationally and encouraged the agency to further incentivize providers through tariff reviews and product innovation. “We must work together to improve enrolment and quality delivery,” she stated.

Paul-Ozie emphasized the role of ethics and professionalism among providers. “We must eliminate discriminatory practices and ensure that enrollees are treated with the dignity they deserve. Health outcomes depend on how faithfully we deliver care,” she added.

LASHMA has the mandate to provide accessible and affordable healthcare for Lagos residents to access a wide range of healthcare services, including public and private hospitals across all local government areas.