Ilera-Eko Key to Universal Health Coverage — Lagos HOS

… As Permanent Secretaries Renew Push for Mandatory Health Insurance

The Lagos State Government has renewed its push for universal health coverage (UHC) through the enforcement of mandatory health insurance, with a clear call for residents to embrace the Ilera-Eko scheme.

At a high-level strategic retreat convened by the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) on Thursday at Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, the Head of Service (HOS), Mr. Olabode Agoro, and the Body of Permanent Secretaries reaffirmed their commitment to drive uptake of the Lagos State Health Scheme (LSHS), following Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Executive Order of July 2024 mandating enrolment.

Delivering his keynote, Agoro stressed that universal health coverage is the foundation of a healthy and productive Lagos. He described health as society’s greatest asset, lamenting that out-of-pocket medical expenses still impoverish many families. He highlighted state interventions — including a 75% subsidy for civil servants, a one-year free cover for retirees, and expanded investments in healthcare facilities — as evidence of government’s commitment.

“Universal health coverage must be non-negotiable. Permanent Secretaries must take ownership of enforcement because our ministries are the first point of contact with residents,” Agoro said.

Dr. Adebayo Adedewe, Chairman of LASHMA Board, praised the retreat as a strategic alignment platform, noting that enrolment has grown from 100,000 in 2020 to over one million through innovations like Pay Small Small, telemedicine, cooperative enrolments, and market-based V-booths. He lauded the creation of the Equity Fund as a first-line charge, calling it unprecedented in Nigeria.

Representing the federal government, NHIA Director-General Dr. Kelechi Ohiri described Lagos as “Nigeria’s exemplar state in health insurance.” He challenged the state to scale enrolment from one million to five million and emphasised that enforcement must be paired with trust-building and quality service delivery.

In her remarks, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, explained that MDAs will now host LASHMA help desks and integrate enrolment links on their websites. She hailed Permanent Secretaries who had already embedded the scheme within their MDAs, recognising them as Ilera-Eko Champions.

Permanent Secretaries from the Ministry of Health, Primary Health Care Board, Establishments and Training, and Wealth Creation and Employment also reaffirmed their commitment, noting that health insurance has been woven into training, empowerment, and job creation initiatives.

The high point of the retreat was the decoration of the HOS as Ilera-Eko Ambassador, alongside Permanent Secretaries honoured as Champions for their pioneering roles in driving enrolment.

The retreat ended with a resounding consensus: Lagos must make health insurance universal, accessible, and sustainable — ensuring no resident is pushed into poverty by healthcare costs.