LASHMA unveils new initiatives to drive health insurance enrolment, expand coverage
…Agency pledges to expand coverage with ILERA ‘N TIWA cooperative and academy
By Sodiq Adelakun
The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has unveiled new initiatives aimed at expanding coverage and increasing public awareness of the ILERA EKO health insurance scheme, as part of its ongoing commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Lagos.
The agency’s efforts were highlighted on Wednesday during the 2025 first-quarter media parley held at the LASHMA Conference Room in Alausa, Ikeja.
In her address, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, reiterated the importance of public awareness in the successful implementation of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Executive Order on the mandatory social health insurance scheme for all residents of Lagos.
“We are committed to ensuring that every Lagosian is adequately sensitised and educated on the significance and compulsory nature of social health insurance,” Dr. Zamba stated.
A key moment of the event was the presentation of the ILERA ‘N TIWA Cooperative, a new initiative designed to integrate the informal sector into the health insurance system.
This cooperative offers flexible payment options tailored to artisans, traders, and low-income earners, ensuring that these groups are not excluded from accessing quality healthcare.
Dr. Zamba also introduced the ILERA EKO Academy, a platform dedicated to training a robust sales force to enhance public awareness and drive enrollment in the scheme.
Between 2024 and 2025, the academy has trained 250 sales agents, with more training sessions scheduled in the coming months.
The Permanent Secretary revealed that LASHMA has significantly expanded its enrollment options, making it easier for residents to register for the health insurance scheme.
These options now include physical enrollment centres, designated community pharmacies, USSD registration, and an online portal.
“ILERA EKO is mandatory for every resident in Lagos State, and we have simplified the registration process to ensure accessibility for all,” Dr. Zamba assured attendees.
She also encouraged residents to take advantage of the 24/7 customer service support provided by LASHMA to address any challenges during the registration process or while accessing healthcare services.
The agency has provided multiple contact channels, including a toll-free helpline, WhatsApp support, and a dedicated sales hotline.
Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Kayode Oyekanmi commended LASHMA’s proactive approach to healthcare accessibility.
“Public awareness is at the heart of the success of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s programmes, particularly in the health sector. I urge journalists to continue promoting ILERA EKO to ensure its success,” Oyekanmi stated.
Another key presentation at the event was delivered by Mr. Rotimi Olatunji, LASHMA’s Head of Business Development, who provided insights into the ILERA ‘N TIWA Cooperative.
He described the initiative as a financial inclusion strategy, offering low-interest loans, preventive health programs, and a food bank initiative to cooperative members.
“We have adopted a multi-level marketing model, allowing members to earn commissions for referring others, creating a sustainable income stream for them,” Olatunji noted.
Mr. Olatunji revealed that the cooperative would officially begin operations next week, with a registered steering committee comprising members from the informal sector.
He urged all residents to take advantage of this innovative opportunity to access affordable healthcare.
In a related presentation, Mr. Nifesimi Akinnagbe, Technical Assistant on the Lagos Social Health Insurance Executive Order, discussed the legal framework behind the scheme.
He noted that the mandatory enforcement of social health insurance would begin by the third quarter of 2025, ensuring that every resident complies with the policy.
At the event, residents who had already enrolled in the ILERA EKO scheme shared their success stories, underscoring the positive impact of the health insurance program.
Elder David Alabi, one of the beneficiaries, recounted how enrolling in ILERA EKO saved his life and alleviated the financial burden of medical expenses.
“If I had not subscribed to the Ilera Eko plan, I might have died,” he said.
Alhaja Sowemimo Ayinke praised the scheme after receiving free medical tests and screenings. “I didn’t pay a dime for all the medical tests I did,” she shared, commending the Lagos State Government for ensuring accessible and affordable healthcare.
