The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has deepened its financial inclusion drive for informal sector workers through the Ilera N’Tiwa Cooperative and Multipurpose Society Limited (ITCMS), an initiative aimed at ensuring wider access to affordable health insurance coverage for residents.

Speaking at the inaugural general meeting of ITCMS held at the Debt Management Office Conference Hall on Wednesday, the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, said the cooperative was established in partnership with the Lagos State Council of Tradesmen and Artisans (LASCOTA) as part of efforts to bring informal sector workers under the State’s Social Health Insurance Scheme – Ilera Eko.

Dr. Zamba noted that the cooperative provides artisans and other informal sector members with the flexibility to pay for health insurance in installments, while the cooperative remits the full premium upfront to LASHMA. This model, she said, ensures uninterrupted access to quality healthcare for enrollees and their families throughout the year.

She added that beyond healthcare, ITCMS members enjoy access to several welfare benefits including low-interest loans, discounted food prices through agricultural partnerships, referral bonuses, and raffle draws. These, she said, are designed to enhance members’ quality of life while promoting financial discipline and social inclusion.

Since its official launch in December last year, Dr. Zamba disclosed that the cooperative had partnered with a microfinance bank and recorded steady membership growth. She emphasized that the initiative aligns with the state’s broader agenda of achieving universal health coverage by 2030 through innovative and community-driven mechanisms.

Reflecting on LASHMA’s journey, the Permanent Secretary observed that public awareness of health insurance had significantly improved since 2020, when many Lagosians were unfamiliar with the concept. “Today, more people understand the importance of paying ahead for healthcare, and participation has grown remarkably,” she said.

She highlighted that the Governor’s Executive Order making health insurance mandatory in Lagos had further strengthened the agency’s mandate, adding that enforcement would begin in 2026 after sustained sensitization and community engagement. “Our focus now is to build awareness and prepare residents for full implementation,” she said.

Dr. Zamba also revealed that LASHMA had launched an emergency services program, an online radio channel, and a digital verification platform to make health plan access easier and more transparent for residents. “When you subscribe to health insurance, you’re not just buying a policy, you’re protecting your family’s future,” she stressed.

In his welcome address, the President of the Ilera N’Tiwa Cooperative and Multipurpose Society, Engr. Ajayi Lawrence, described the event as a milestone in the pursuit of collective progress and economic empowerment for artisans and informal sector workers across Lagos.

“The name Ilera N’Tiwa, meaning ‘Our Well-being’, captures our shared vision of unity and prosperity,” he said. “This cooperative is more than a financial platform; it’s a movement to transform lives through savings, access to credit, and quality healthcare.”

He outlined the cooperative’s four core objectives: promoting a savings culture, providing accessible financial support to members, investing in joint ventures for sustainable wealth creation, and upholding transparency and accountability in all operations. “Let us build a system that uplifts families, supports entrepreneurs, and drives community growth,” he urged.

Engr. Lawrence, who also doubles as President of the Association of Artisans in Lagos, explained that the cooperative now connects over 75 artisan groups across seven local government areas. He said members were being educated on healthy living habits and encouraged to register for the state’s health insurance plan.

“With LASHMA’s support, our members can now receive medical treatment and drugs without paying out of pocket,” he said. “It’s a life-changing opportunity that we want every artisan to embrace.”

Also speaking, the Head of Business Development at LASHMA, Mr. Rotimi Olatunji said the cooperative represents a practical model for financial inclusion in healthcare. “Through ITCMS, members can conveniently pay for their insurance while accessing additional welfare programs such as food banks, cooperative loans, and referral bonuses,” he said.

He noted that the inaugural meeting provided a vital feedback platform for members and stakeholders to share experiences and suggestions for service improvement. “This is the first of its kind – a step toward strengthening transparency and trust within the cooperative,” Olatunji remarked.

According to him, members have access to over 600 accredited healthcare providers, including hospitals, pharmacies, and diagnostic centres across Lagos. “There is no limit of liability; treatment continues until recovery,” he explained, adding that a partner microfinance bank supports premium financing so that members can pay in flexible installments.

In his remarks, Mr. Femi Niyi, Managing Director of Rigo Microfinance Bank which is the partner bank of the cooperative, reaffirmed his organization’s commitment to bridging healthcare financing gaps. “Our partnership with ITCMS and LASHMA ensures that no one is denied medical care due to lack of funds,” he stated.

Niyi described health insurance as a critical safety net against financial hardship caused by illness. “Many people think insurance is for when you expect sickness — it’s actually about being prepared and protecting your family,” he said. He commended the Lagos State Government for championing inclusive healthcare and urged all residents to enroll in the scheme.

“Your health is your greatest wealth,” Niyi concluded. “Take advantage of this initiative, secure your health, and secure your future.”

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