Mandatory health insurance scheme: Ilera Eko equity fund hits N3 billion

2026-02-17 - 10:09

By Olasunkanmi Akoni Lagos State Government has expanded the Equity Fund for the mandatory health insurance, ILERA EKO for vulnerable residents from N1 billion to N3 billion. The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Health Management Agency, LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, disclosed this during a two-day capacity-building programme for media executives, organised by LASHMA in collaboration with the International Society of Media in Public Health (ISMPH), held at its Headquarters, Alausa, Ikeja. ILERA EKO, is an official social health insurance scheme by Lagos State Government, designed to provide and access affordable, quality healthcare for all residents. Zamba while stressing the need for a mandatory health insurance for residents, urged the media to intensify public awareness and accountability reporting to protect residents from catastrophic health costs. She described the engagement as strategic to deepening understanding of the state’s health financing reforms. According to Zamba, one per cent of the state’s Consolidated Revenue Fund has been earmarked as an Equity Fund to provide health insurance coverage for vulnerable and indigent residents. “The fund has been increased from ₦1 billion to ₦3 billion and approved as a one-line charge, reinforcing government’s determination to ensure inclusivity,” Zamba stated. She also noted that all public servants in Lagos have been enrolled under mandatory ILERA EKO scheme, with the state government paying 75 per cent of the annual premium while employees contribute 25 per cent. Referencing the Executive Order signed on July 16, 2024, by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Zamba reiterated that health insurance under ILERA EKO is now mandatory for all residents of Lagos State and enforcement likely to commence in April across all sectors of the State. While enforcement has begun across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, she stressed that education and public engagement remained the priority. “In a megacity like Lagos, health insurance is no longer optional—it is essential The scheme is designed to reduce out-of-pocket spending and prevent families from sliding into poverty due to medical bills,” Zamba stated. The PS also acknowledged the technical support of ISMPH and EngenderHealth in organising the programme, stressing that universal health coverage requires shared responsibility among government, partners, healthcare providers, residents and the media. She expressed confidence that deeper collaboration between LASHMA and journalists would strengthen accountability, build public trust in ILERA EKO and accelerate efforts to ensure equitable and sustainable healthcare financing in Lagos State. In a goodwill message delivered to participants, the Executive Director, ISMPH, Moji Makanjuola, described the training as “more than a workshop, but a call to action.” She stressed the powerful role of the media in shaping health outcomes. “As health correspondents and indeed journalists, we occupy a powerful and unique position. “Your reports inform public understanding, influences policy priorities and holds institutions accountable,” she stated. Makanjuola, challenged participants to simplify complex budgetary processes in human terms and spotlight gaps between policy promises and on-the-ground realities. According to her, evidence-based reporting on domestic resource mobilisation, health insurance coverage, primary healthcare funding and equity for rural and underserved populations is critical to strengthening the system. “Clear, accurate and persistent reporting can help ensure that investments in healthcare delivery are adequate, efficient and transparently managed,” she added. Describing preventable deaths as unacceptable in Nigeria, Makanjuola called for stronger collaboration between informed journalism and responsible governance to accelerate progress. “It is not permissible in a country like Nigeria to still have preventable deaths occurring,” she said, urging journalists to amplify the voices of women, men, caregivers and frontline health workers, and sustain public dialogue on health needs and solutions.” The Coordinator, Regulations at LASHMA, Mr. Tosin Awosika noted that the Lagos Health Scheme, which established Ilera Eko, makes health insurance compulsory for every resident of the state. He urged residents of Lagos who are yet to enroll in the Ilera Eko health insurance scheme to do so promptly, reiterating that the health insurance under Ilera Eko is not just a social programme but a health insurance scheme that is mandatory for all residents and a legal obligation backed by the laws of Lagos State. Awosika noted that the Lagos Health Scheme, which established Ilera Eko, makes health insurance compulsory for every resident of the state. According to him, the mandatory nature of the scheme is designed to ensure universal health coverage and protect families from catastrophic health spending. He noted that while the government has put the legal and structural framework in place, the success of the scheme depends largely on the willingness of residents to enroll. “The sustainability of Ilera Eko is tied to the number of people who sign up. Health insurance works better when more people participate. It is not optional; it is a legal requirement for all residents of Lagos State,” Awosika said. He stressed that enforcement mechanisms are being strengthened to ensure compliance, adding that employers, individuals and families are expected to enroll under the scheme as stipulated by law. Awosika further highlighted that Ilera Eko offers access to a wide range of healthcare services including primary care, specialist consultations, maternal and child health services, surgeries and emergency care at accredited facilities across the state. The workshop, he said, was organised to equip journalists with accurate information about the scheme, enabling them to play a critical role in public enlightenment and advocacy. Participants were taken through the legal provisions of the Health Scheme, enrollment processes, benefits packages and regulatory guidelines governing healthcare providers under Ilera Eko. Stakeholders at the event emphasized that making Ilera Eko mandatory is aimed at reducing out-of-pocket spending, preventing medical-induced poverty and ensuring that no resident is denied quality healthcare due to inability to pay.