Lagos State mandatory health insurance implementation

Lagos State has initiated a transition toward mandatory social health insurance through the ILERA EKO scheme and the newly unveiled Lagos Private Health Plans (LPHP). The state government has already issued Certificates of Compliance to 63 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) for meeting requirements, with a deadline of November 30, 2026, for remaining MDAs to achieve full compliance.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has extended the mandate to the general public, setting a deadline of December 31, 2026, for residents to obtain coverage. Enforcement of the policy is scheduled to begin on January 1, 2027, under Executive Order EO/BOS/01/2024. While the Ilera Eko scheme focuses on the informal sector and vulnerable residents, the LPHP is designed to cover salaried workers and corporate organizations. To support the rollout, 21 Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) have endorsed participation in the private health plans.

To prevent financial hardship by reducing reliance on out-of-pocket medical payments, the state has increased its Health Equity Fund from N1bn to N3bn to assist over 500,000 low-income residents. Governor Sanwo-Olu has urged employers to treat healthcare coverage as a statutory business obligation, similar to pension contributions. Regarding emergency care, the governor mandated that healthcare providers must stabilize patients in emergency situations before addressing insurance or payment issues.