Health insurance expansion in Lagos is receiving fresh attention as the state health management agency rolls out new strategies to reach more residents, especially in the informal sector.
The Lagos State Health Management Agency says it has intensified efforts to expand health insurance coverage across the state, introducing measures aimed at improving access, strengthening compliance, and increasing enrolment among low-income earners.
Permanent Secretary of the agency, Emmanuella Zamba, disclosed this on Monday at the LASHMA 2026 first quarter media parley, where she outlined reforms focused on policy enforcement, payment innovation and stronger stakeholder engagement.
She said the agency had introduced a wallet-based payment system known as “Ilera Eko Easy Pay” to make health insurance more affordable for residents. The platform allows users to spread payments over three months instead of paying lump sums upfront.
According to her, the initiative is designed to reduce financial pressure while improving access for low- and middle-income earners, building on existing enrolment programmes.
She also confirmed that enforcement of a 2024 executive order mandating health insurance coverage for Lagos residents has begun across ministries, departments and agencies, where proof of enrolment is now required before accessing public services.
She added that compliance monitoring and verification systems have been activated within government institutions, with early results showing improved uptake among public servants.
She noted that the next phase of implementation will extend to the informal sector, both organised and unstructured, as well as vulnerable groups who cannot afford premiums, before moving to corporate organisations.
Highlighting the role of public communication, she said 72 journalists were trained in partnership with the International Society of Media Persons in Public Health to strengthen awareness and reporting on health insurance.
She added that the agency has restructured its operations with new cluster managers, area coordinators and community officers to improve outreach and bring services closer to residents.
She also disclosed that a statewide essay competition for public school students recorded 713 entries, describing it as part of efforts to encourage early awareness of preventive healthcare and financial protection.
The head of business development of the agency explained that the “Ilera Eko Easy Pay” system operates as a mobile wallet, allowing individuals and families to save gradually towards insurance premiums while benefiting from secure transactions and tracking features.
A technical assistant to the Permanent Secretary said grassroots engagement has been expanded through local governments, community groups and town hall meetings aimed at improving feedback and enrolment.
He added that a government equity fund continues to support vulnerable residents who are unable to pay premiums, ensuring wider access to healthcare coverage.
He also noted that quality assurance measures are being strengthened through compliance assessments across healthcare facilities, with providers undergoing training to align with the new framework.
The Lagos State coordinator of the International Society of Media in Public Health urged students to remain committed to excellence and commended the agency for promoting youth engagement through the essay competition.
