Mandatory Health Insurance Takes Center Stage as Lagos Appoints Enforcement Leads
The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to enforce mandatory health insurance with the formal investiture of the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs) Kemi Ogunyemi, as Enforcement Leads for the Lagos State Health Scheme Executive Order and ILERA EKO Champions.
The ceremony, held at the Ministry of Health, highlighted the state’s resolve to accelerate enrolment and ensure compliance with the ILERA EKO Social Health Insurance Scheme.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Abayomi described the recognition as both symbolic and strategic, noting that Lagos is deliberately transitioning residents from out-of-pocket healthcare payments to insurance-based financing. He said expanding enrolment and changing the culture of cash payments for medical services remain key priorities.
He recalled that Lagos was the first state to domesticate the 2022 National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act through an Executive Order issued in July 2024, making health insurance mandatory. According to him, the move reflects Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s strong commitment to healthcare financing reform.
Abayomi also cautioned against the stigmatization of insured patients, warning that negative attitudes toward ILERA EKO enrollees could discourage participation. He pledged to prioritise insurance compliance during facility inspections to ensure proper implementation of the scheme.
In her remarks, Dr. Ogunyemi stressed that the enforcement role is backed by law and is central to achieving Universal Health Coverage in Lagos State. She noted that ILERA EKO aligns with the THEMES+ development agenda and aims to guarantee equitable access to quality healthcare.
She commended the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) for its sensitisation campaigns but acknowledged persistent gaps in public awareness. Ogunyemi urged directors and health officials to integrate ILERA EKO advocacy into all programmes and engagements, emphasising that responsibility for promoting the scheme extends beyond LASHMA.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, described the investiture as a critical step in strengthening enforcement of the Executive Order across Ministries, Departments and Agencies. She noted that enforcement nominees have been trained to ensure compliance throughout the public service.
In his closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide, said the ceremony signalled the start of more rigorous enforcement efforts. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to collaboration and sustained engagement to ensure the success of ILERA EKO across the state.
