Lagos Mandatory Health Insurance will begin enforcement in 2026, with LASHMA urging residents to enrol early under Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Executive Order

Lagos Mandatory Health Insurance will officially begin enforcement in early 2026, according to the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA).

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The announcement came during the 2025 ILERA EKO Annual Provider Forum held in Ikeja on Wednesday.

The Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr Emmanuella Zamba, said the enforcement followed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Executive Order issued in July 2024.

She emphasised that the government was committed to full implementation while ensuring residents were adequately informed beforehand.

“We want all residents to be aware and onboard before enforcement begins,” Dr Zamba stated, urging Lagosians to register for the scheme as a financial safeguard against health emergencies.

She noted that LASHMA had empanelled over 865 healthcare providers and transitioned critical operational tasks—such as service authorisations and claims vetting—from third-party administrators to an internal team.

“This has led to faster turnaround times and improved oversight,” she said.

One of the key innovations introduced by the agency is the biometric verification system.

Developed in partnership with the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency, it enables real-time identity confirmation and aims to curb fraud in the health sector.

“This technological innovation helps us ensure that enrollees receive timely, targeted care,” she added.

The event’s theme, “Driving Universal Health Coverage through Strategic Partnerships,” reflected the agency’s goal to use collaboration as a vehicle to scale healthcare access. Dr Zamba encouraged attendees to treat the forum as a platform for co-creation.

“This is your platform to share insights, highlight challenges, and co-develop solutions with us. Together, we can build a more resilient health system,” she said.

We want all residents to be aware and onboard before enforcement begins.

Chairman of the LASHMA Board, Dr Adebayo Adedewe, delivered the keynote address.

He praised healthcare providers for their dedication, calling them the cornerstone of the ILERA EKO scheme.

“Your commitment has propelled our shared journey toward Universal Health Coverage,” Dr Adedewe said.

He stressed that trust and collaboration were essential for scaling the scheme’s impact across the state.

Several provider-focused reforms were also highlighted during the forum.

These included performance-based categorisation, timely supply of essential medicines, and revised tariffs to cushion economic pressures.

“We’ve also expanded access by incorporating community pharmacies into the scheme, ensuring continuity of care and broader reach,” he added.

Dr Adedewe also lauded the political will behind the initiative.

He explained that Lagos remains the first and only state in Nigeria to treat the health equity fund as a first-line charge in the budget.

“From ₦1 billion in 2024, Mr Governor increased it to ₦3 billion this year, demonstrating true leadership and a firm commitment to equity,” he said.

With enforcement of Lagos Mandatory Health Insurance set for 2026, the state government and its partners are racing to get as many residents as possible enrolled.

Officials stressed the importance of early compliance to avoid disruptions when enforcement begins.

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The forum concluded with a renewed call for strategic partnerships, provider engagement, and public education to meet the state’s Universal Health Coverage goals by the end of the decade.