Sanwo-Olu Flags Off Mandatory Health Insurance Enforcement in Lagos, Gives Residents Till Dec 31 to Comply

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has flagged off the enforcement of mandatory health insurance in Lagos State under Executive Order EO/BOS/01 of 2024.

Governor Sanwo-Olu flagged off the enforcement on Tuesday at an event tagged Lagos covered, a shared commitment, a healthier Lagos, held at Victoria Island.

At the event, the Governor also unveiled the Lagos Private Health Plans, LPHP, designed to extend health insurance coverage to salaried workers and corporate organisations, complementing the existing Ilera Eko scheme for vulnerable residents and the informal sector.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said every resident in the state has until 31 December 2026 to obtain insurance cover, adding that enforcement will commence on 1 January 2027. He also inaugurated two boards to support the initiative.

Speaking at the event attended by government officials, health practitioners and stakeholders from the public and private sectors, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the ultimate objective of the Executive Order goes beyond enforcement.

According to him, the goal is to ensure that every Lagos resident is covered by health insurance and can access quality healthcare services without suffering financial hardship.

He said every resident, employer and worker in Lagos is required to have social health insurance, noting that the Executive Order places responsibilities on individuals, employers and government.

Governor Sanwo-Olu explained that while Ilera Eko caters to vulnerable residents and the informal sector, the new health insurance plans will address the needs of salaried workers and employers, ensuring that everyone has access to an appropriate healthcare package.

He stressed that employers must consider workers healthcare a necessary cost of doing business, just as they make provisions for pensions and other employment-related obligations.

Governor Sanwo-Olu also emphasised that no healthcare provider should turn away residents requiring emergency medical attention because of financial constraints, stressing that patients must first be stabilised before issues relating to payment or insurance coverage are addressed.

He disclosed that 21 health maintenance organisations have endorsed participation in the new plans, describing the arrangement as a partnership between government and private operators to expand coverage and strengthen healthcare delivery.

The Governor also urged medical professionals considering emigration to reconsider, arguing that improved healthcare financing can strengthen the sector and make it more sustainable for practitioners.

Also speaking, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, disclosed that advancements in medical technology, including artificial intelligence, robotic science and modern diagnostic equipment, have significantly increased the cost of healthcare delivery.

He also emphasised the importance of a strong and inclusive health insurance system to protect residents from rising medical expenses while ensuring access to quality healthcare services.

Prof. Abayomi described the launch as a major shift in how healthcare will be financed in Lagos, arguing that the current dependence on out-of-pocket payments places excessive financial pressure on households and healthcare facilities.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Lagos State Health Management Agency, LASHMA, Dr Adebayo Adedewe, hinted that the State Government has increased its Health Equity Fund from N1 billion to N3 billion to provide health insurance coverage for over 500,000 vulnerable residents who cannot afford the required premiums.

He said LASHMA will continue to expand enrolment, strengthen public awareness and ensure that the new policy translates into accessible healthcare for residents.

He added that the agency has intensified community engagement through radio campaigns, billboards, digital advocacy and partnerships with traditional rulers, market associations, transport unions and other grassroots organisations.