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The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) with new initiatives designed to drive enrollment in the ILERA EKO health insurance scheme. Speaking at the Y2025 Q1 Media Parley held at the LASHMA Conference Room, Alausa, Ikeja, the Permanent Secretary, LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, emphasized the agency’s strategic efforts to make healthcare accessible and affordable for all Lagos residents.

Dr. Zamba highlighted that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Executive Order on Social Health Insurance Scheme which positioned health insurance as a mandatory requirement for all residents, emphasized public awareness as an express mandate for LASHMA. “We are committed to ensuring that every Lagosian is adequately sensitized and educated on the significance and compulsory nature of social health insurance,” she stated, adding that LASHMA will continue to engage the media quarterly to provide updates and strengthen advocacy for UHC.

One of the major highlights of the event was the presentation on ILERA ‘N TIWA Cooperative, a newly introduced initiative aimed at adequately integrating the informal sector into the health insurance ecosystem. According to Dr. Zamba, the initiative provides flexible payment plans for artisans, traders, and low-income earners, ensuring they are not left behind in the quest for improved healthcare access.

Dr. Zamba also shed more light on the recently launched ILERA EKO Academy, which is set to train a larger sales force to increase public awareness and drive enrollment. “This academy serves as a platform for training agents who will educate Lagosians on the benefits of enrolling in ILERA EKO,” she explained. She disclosed that the agency through the academy has already trained 250 sales agents between 2024 and 2025, with more sessions planned for the coming months.

The Permanent Secretary revealed that LASHMA has expanded its registration options, including physical enrollment centers located across Lagos and at designated community pharmacies, USSD registration, and an online portal to make health insurance even more accessible. “Let me reiterate that ILERA EKO is mandatory for every resident in Lagos State. For those who are yet to enroll, registration has been made simple and accessible. You can register at our Head Office, The Good Shepherd House opposite Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, at our Divisional and Sub-Divisional Offices, kiosks across the State, or at any Community Pharmacy or Provider under the Ilera Eko Scheme”, she said.

“You can also self-register via our USSD Code 6700006# or visit our website at www.lashma.com. Our goal is to ensure that ILERA EKO remains at the forefront of public consciousness, and we encourage residents to take advantage of these simplified registration methods. Should you encounter any challenges during registration, payment, or while accessing healthcare services, please contact our 24/7 Customer Service Centre via the following: 0800-ILERA EKO (0800-453722356), 0800-ASKLASHMA (0800-275527462), Sales Hotline: 0700-ILERA EKO (0700-453722356), WhatsApp (Messaging Only): 07045358275 or 07046160051.” Dr. Zamba added.

She urged journalists to play an active role in promoting the scheme. “While we celebrate our progress, there is still much work to be done. The media remains a key partner in raising awareness and debunking myths surrounding health insurance,” she stated, calling for continuous collaboration in enlightening the public.

Representing the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Kayode Oyekanmi commended the agency for its proactive approach to healthcare accessibility. “Public awareness is at the heart of the success of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s programs, particularly in the health sector. I urge journalists to give ILERA EKO robust publicity to ensure its success,” he remarked.

In his presentation, the Head of Business Development at LASHMA, Mr. Rotimi Olatunji provided deeper insights into ILERA ‘N TIWA Cooperative, describing it as a financial inclusion strategy tailored to individuals who may struggle to pay upfront for health insurance. “Through this initiative, members can make small, incremental payments while gaining access to healthcare and other social impact benefits,” he said.

He further disclosed that cooperative members would enjoy financial rewards, access to low-interest loans, preventive health programs, and a food bank initiative. “We have adopted a multi-level marketing model, allowing members to earn commissions for referring others, creating a sustainable income stream for them,” he added.

Mr. Olatunji emphasized that ILERA ‘N TIWA would officially commence full operations by next week, with a registered steering committee comprising members of the informal sector. “This is the first of its kind in Nigeria, and we encourage all residents to take advantage of this opportunity to access quality healthcare at a minimal cost,” he said.

In his presentation, Technical Assistant on Lagos Social Health Insurance Executive Order, Mr. Nifesimi Akinnagbe highlighted the legal framework backing the health insurance scheme. “Governor Sanwo-Olu signed an Executive Order in July 2024, mandating the enforcement of social health insurance for all Lagos residents,” he noted.

Mr. Akinnagbe revealed that the agency had been actively creating awareness but would take advocacy a step further with door-to-door sensitization campaigns to reach more residents directly. “By the third quarter of 2025, we will begin full enforcement of the executive order, ensuring that every resident complies with the compulsory health insurance policy,” he stated.

At the event, residents enrolled in the Ilera Eko Health Insurance Scheme also shared remarkable testimonials on how the initiative has transformed their access to healthcare. Enrollees, Elder David Alabi and Alhaja Sowemimo Airat Ayinke expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government for making quality healthcare affordable and accessible.

Elder Alabi recounted how enrolling in Ilera Eko saved his life and eased the financial burden of medical expenses for his family. “If I had not subscribed to the Ilera Eko plan, I might have died,” he said. “An agent in Ikorodu introduced me to the scheme, and I immediately registered my entire family. Since then, we have received medical care without paying extra fees. I thank the Governor of Lagos State for this initiative.”

Similarly, Alhaja Sowemimo praised the scheme after benefiting from comprehensive health screenings. “A young lady introduced me to Ilera Eko, and three months after enrolling, I went to the hospital for a general body test. I didn’t pay a dime for all the medical tests I did,” she said. She commended the Lagos State Government for prioritizing the health of its residents and ensuring accessible healthcare for all.

With LASHMA’s renewed focus on accessibility, inclusivity, and awareness, the agency is poised to make significant strides in transforming healthcare delivery in Lagos State. As Dr. Zamba aptly put it, “ILERA EKO is not just a program, it is a movement towards a healthier, more secure Lagos. Together, we can achieve UHC and ensure no resident is left behind.”

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