By Ayomide Otitoju
The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has intensified its drive to expand financial inclusion and healthcare access for informal sector workers with the launch of the Ilera N’Tiwa Cooperative and Multipurpose Society Limited (ITCMS) — a community-based initiative designed to make health insurance more affordable and accessible for residents.
Speaking at the inaugural general meeting of ITCMS, held Wednesday at the Debt Management Office Conference Hall in Lagos, LASHMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, said the cooperative was established in partnership with the Lagos State Council of Tradesmen and Artisans (LASCOTA) to integrate informal workers into the state’s Social Health Insurance Scheme, Ilera Eko.
Dr. Zamba explained that ITCMS enables artisans and other informal workers to pay for their health insurance in flexible installments, while the cooperative remits the full premium to LASHMA upfront. This approach, she noted, guarantees continuous access to healthcare for enrollees and their families throughout the year.
“Beyond healthcare coverage, members benefit from a range of welfare incentives including low-interest loans, discounted food through agricultural partnerships, referral bonuses, and raffle draws,” she said. “These benefits are designed to enhance members’ welfare, promote savings culture, and foster social inclusion.”
Since its launch in December 2024, the cooperative has partnered with a microfinance bank and recorded steady membership growth. Dr. Zamba emphasized that the initiative aligns with the state government’s goal of achieving universal health coverage (UHC) by 2030 through innovative, community-driven mechanisms.
She highlighted that public understanding of health insurance had improved significantly since 2020, adding that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s executive order making health insurance mandatory in Lagos had strengthened LASHMA’s mandate. Enforcement, she said, will commence in 2026, following extensive sensitization campaigns.
“Our current focus is on building awareness and preparing residents for full implementation,” she noted.
Dr. Zamba also revealed that LASHMA had launched new innovations such as an emergency services program, online radio channel, and digital verification platform to simplify access to health plans. “When you subscribe to health insurance, you’re not just buying a policy — you’re securing your family’s future,” she stressed.
In his address, Engr. Ajayi Lawrence, President of ITCMS and head of the Lagos State Association of Artisans, described the cooperative as a milestone in the pursuit of economic empowerment for informal workers.
“The name Ilera N’Tiwa, meaning ‘Our Well-being’, reflects our shared vision of unity and prosperity,” he said. “This cooperative goes beyond finance — it’s a movement to transform lives through savings, access to credit, and quality healthcare.”
Lawrence outlined the cooperative’s four main objectives: promoting savings, providing financial support, investing in sustainable ventures, and ensuring transparency. He noted that ITCMS currently connects over 75 artisan groups across seven local government areas, with members encouraged to adopt healthy living habits and enroll in Ilera Eko.
“With LASHMA’s support, our members can now receive medical care and drugs without paying out of pocket,” he said. “This is a life-changing opportunity that every artisan should embrace.”
Mr. Rotimi Olatunji, LASHMA’s Head of Business Development, described ITCMS as a “practical model for healthcare inclusion,” allowing members to combine insurance payments with cooperative benefits such as food banks and welfare loans.
He added that the cooperative gives members access to over 600 accredited healthcare providers, including hospitals, pharmacies, and diagnostic centres. “There is no limit of liability; treatment continues until recovery,” he stated.
Also speaking, Mr. Femi Niyi, Managing Director of Rigo Microfinance Bank, ITCMS’s financial partner, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to closing healthcare financing gaps.
“Our collaboration with LASHMA and ITCMS ensures that no one is denied medical care due to lack of funds,” he said. “Health insurance is not just for when you expect illness — it’s a proactive step toward protecting your family and your future.”
He commended the Lagos State Government for championing inclusive healthcare, urging residents to take advantage of the initiative. “Your health is your greatest wealth,” Niyi concluded. “Secure your health, and you secure your future.”
