LASHMA clinches top honour for health insurance leadership in data, coverage
By Sodiq Adelakun
The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has emerged as Nigeria’s leading Health Insurance and Managed Care Government Agency for 2025, earning national acclaim for its excellence in data-driven management, strategic enrollment, and aggressive pursuit of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The honour was conferred by the Institute for Health Insurance and Managed Care at a ceremony held at the Nigeria Merit House, Maitama, Abuja, under the theme “Selecting the Best for Universal Health Coverage.”
Presenting the award, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Hon. Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu himself a former House Committee Chairman on Health, praised Lagos State and LASHMA for their outstanding performance.
“I have no doubt that Lagos State will win the award because Lagos has data, and any state with data on Health Insurance is seriously working towards achieving UHC,” Dr. Sununu declared, describing the state as a “shock absorber” in times of national health crises such as the Ebola outbreak and COVID-19 pandemic.
Representing LASHMA’s Board Chairman, Dr. Adebayo Adedewe, the Head of Business Development, Mr. Olatunji Rotimi, received the award, expressing deep appreciation to the Institute for the recognition.
“This award is a testament to our commitment to making quality, affordable healthcare accessible to every Lagosian, regardless of socioeconomic background,” Mr. Rotimi stated.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, credited Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering support and commitment to the agency’s vision. She assured the public of LASHMA’s plans to introduce more innovations in health insurance to boost enrollment and inclusivity.
Chairman of the awarding body, Dr. Hope Weja, underscored the importance of health insurance in sustainable national health financing. He lauded LASHMA’s efforts, saying the award ceremony aimed to honour institutions driving real progress toward inclusive health coverage.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the Special Assistant to the President on Health, Dr. Amman Annas; Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, represented by his Commissioner for Health, Dr. Chioma Egu; and Executive Secretaries from various State Social Health Insurance Agencies.
