The Lagos State Government has given residents, employers and workers until December 31, 2026, to obtain health insurance, warning that enforcement of the compulsory coverage policy will begin on January 1, 2027.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced the deadline on Tuesday while launching the enforcement of mandatory health insurance under Executive Order EO/BOS/01 of 2024.
The governor also unveiled the Lagos Private Health Plans (LPHP), a new initiative designed to extend health insurance coverage to salaried workers and corporate organisations, complementing the existing Ilera Eko scheme, which caters to vulnerable residents and people in the informal sector.
Sanwo-Olu said the policy was aimed at ensuring that every resident could access quality healthcare without suffering financial hardship from medical bills.
He explained that the executive order placed responsibilities on individuals, employers and the government, stressing that health insurance should become an essential part of healthcare delivery in the state.
The governor urged employers to treat workers’ healthcare coverage as a necessary business expense, similar to pension contributions and other employment obligations.
He said the new private health plans would provide additional coverage options for formal-sector workers and businesses, while Ilera Eko would continue to serve vulnerable residents and people in the informal sector.
Sanwo-Olu also warned healthcare providers against refusing emergency treatment to patients because of financial constraints. He stressed that patients requiring urgent medical attention must first be stabilised before payment or insurance issues are addressed.
According to the governor, 21 health maintenance organisations have endorsed participation in the new plans, marking a partnership between the state government and private operators to expand insurance coverage and improve healthcare delivery.
He expressed hope that improved healthcare financing would strengthen the health sector and encourage medical professionals considering emigration to reconsider their decisions.
Lagos Increases Health Equity Fund to N3bn
The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, said advances in medical technology, including artificial intelligence, robotics and modern diagnostic equipment, had contributed to rising healthcare delivery costs.
He stressed the need for a strong and inclusive health insurance system to protect households from escalating medical expenses and reduce dependence on out-of-pocket payments.
Abayomi described the initiative as a major shift in healthcare financing, noting that paying for treatment directly when illness occurs places considerable pressure on families and healthcare facilities.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Lagos State Health Management Agency, Dr Adebayo Adedewe, disclosed that the state government had increased its Health Equity Fund from N1bn to N3bn to expand coverage for vulnerable residents who could not afford insurance premiums.
He said the fund was expected to support health insurance coverage for more than 500,000 vulnerable residents.
Adedewe added that the agency would intensify enrolment campaigns and public awareness efforts to ensure that more residents benefited from the scheme.
According to him, LASHMA had expanded community engagement through radio campaigns, billboards, digital advocacy and partnerships with traditional rulers, market associations, transport unions and other grassroots organisations.
The government is expected to use the remaining months of 2026 to encourage enrolment before full enforcement of the mandatory health insurance policy begins in January 2027.
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