LASHMA, Council Chairmen unite to fast-track Universal Health Coverage
The Lagos State Government has intensified enforcement of its Executive Order on Mandatory Social Health Insurance, directing Local Government and Local Council Development Area (LCDA) chairmen to drive grassroots implementation toward achieving universal health coverage.
This was the focus of a one-day strategic retreat with LGA/LCDA chairmen under Conference 57, held at Lagos Continental Hotel. The meeting aimed to deepen enrolment in the Lagos State Social Health Insurance Scheme, popularly known as ILERA EKO.
Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Hon. Lawal Aina Musibau, said the Lagos State House of Assembly had established the legal framework for sustainable healthcare financing through the 2015 Health Scheme Law, which created the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) and the Lagos State Health Fund. He stressed that enforcement had begun and called for deliberate action to ensure compliance.
Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, described the July 16, 2024 Executive Order as a bold reform to guarantee health coverage for all residents. He disclosed that compliance circulars had been issued and a 26-member enforcement team inaugurated, adding that proof of enrolment is now required to access certain government services.
Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, framed the reform within health economics, highlighting ongoing investments in infrastructure and workforce development. He noted that heavy reliance on out-of-pocket payments in Nigeria is unsustainable and said mandatory insurance would provide a fair and structured financing system.
Board Chairman of LASHMA, Dr. Adebayo Adedewe, commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and urged council chairmen to take ownership of the scheme, emphasising that grassroots mobilisation is key to increasing enrolment across communities.
Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, called for closer collaboration with councils, including the designation of enforcement officers and support for advocacy, office space and primary healthcare expansion. Other officials urged cooperation, noting that full implementation would ease financial pressures on councils and improve residents’ access to care.
The retreat concluded with the decoration of all 57 chairmen as ILERA EKO Champions, while 10 were honoured as EKOSHA Icons for supporting vulnerable residents. Stakeholders expressed confidence that stronger state–local collaboration would accelerate progress toward universal health coverage and protect residents from catastrophic health costs.
