By Ayomide Otitoju
The Lagos State Government has stepped up the implementation of its Executive Order on Mandatory Social Health Insurance, directing Local Government and Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Chairmen to lead grassroots enrolment efforts under the Lagos State Social Health Insurance Scheme, also known as ILERA EKO.
The directive was delivered during a one-day Strategic Retreat with LGA/LCDA Chairmen at Lagos Continental Hotel, aimed at accelerating Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through expanded enrolment and enforcement.
Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Lawal Aina Musibau, reminded participants that the Lagos State Health Scheme Law of 2015 provides the legal foundation for sustainable healthcare financing. He stressed that “awareness alone is insufficient; deliberate action and sustained commitment are required to guarantee compliance and affordable healthcare for our people.”
Head of Service, Bode Agoro, described the Executive Order, signed on July 16, 2024, as “a bold reform aimed at guaranteeing Universal Health Coverage for all residents of Lagos State.” He highlighted that proof of enrolment is now required for access to certain government services and noted that a 26-member Enforcement Team had been inaugurated to ensure institutional compliance.
State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, framed the reform within health economics, noting ongoing investments in infrastructure and human resources, including the establishment of a standalone University of Medicine and Health Sciences. He stressed that mandatory insurance would replace informal, ad hoc support with a structured, fair, and sustainable financing system.
Other officials, including Board Chairman of Lagos State Health Management Agency, Adebayo Adedewe, and Permanent Secretaries from LASHMA and Local Government ministries, outlined collaboration strategies such as deploying enforcement officers per council, integrating advocacy into community engagements, and expanding Primary Health Centres for 24-hour service.
The retreat concluded with all 57 chairmen decorated as ILERA EKO Champions to symbolise their commitment to intensified enrolment, while ten were honoured as EKOSHA Icons for providing resources and strategic support to cover vulnerable residents under the equity fund.
Officials emphasised that enforcement, already underway in MDAs, will soon extend to the informal sector, with coordinated state–local action expected to accelerate Lagos State’s progress toward universal health coverage and protect residents from catastrophic healthcare costs.
