The Lagos State Government has inaugurated the Lagos State Health Scheme (LSHS) Enforcement Team, signalling the full implementation of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Executive Order on mandatory social health insurance under the Ilera-Eko scheme.
The inauguration, held at the Public Service Office in Alausa, Ikeja, marked a major step towards ensuring that no resident is denied access to healthcare due to financial constraints. Stakeholders from state and federal levels were present, reinforcing Lagos State’s push for universal health coverage.
Speaking at the event, the Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro, described the inauguration as a milestone in the state’s health reforms, noting that enforcement would begin with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) before extending to local governments, the formal sector and corporate organisations. He stressed that the enforcement process is not punitive but focused on advocacy and compliance.
Mr. Agoro directed MDAs to ensure all staff are enrolled in the Ilera-Eko scheme, adding that proof of enrollment will now be required during monthly staff audits. He warned that salaries of officers who fail to comply would be withheld, noting that government already subsidises a large portion of the health insurance premium.
The Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, commended Lagos State for leading the way in mandatory health insurance, describing it as a key tool in preventing health-related poverty. He pledged continued federal support for the scheme.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, said the Enforcement Team was set up in line with the Governor’s Executive Order of July 2024. She explained that the Ilera-Eko scheme offers various insurance plans designed to meet the needs of different segments of the population.
Other speakers, including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Parastatal Monitoring, Hon. Ibrahim Obanikoro, and the Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Mrs. Sunkanmi Oyegbola, urged residents and civil servants to embrace the scheme, stressing that health insurance provides vital financial protection during emergencies.
The inauguration marks Lagos State’s transition from voluntary participation to structured compliance, as the government intensifies efforts to achieve universal health coverage.