Agency Pledges to Expand Coverage with ILERA ‘N TIWA Cooperative and Academ
… Quarterly Media Engagement to Deepen Public Sensitization
The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) with new initiatives designed to drive enrollment in the ILERA EKO health insurance scheme. Speaking at the Y2025 Q1 Media Parley held at the LASHMA Conference Room, Alausa, Ikeja, the Permanent Secretary, LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, emphasised the agency’s strategic efforts to make healthcare accessible and affordable for all Lagos residents.
Dr. Zamba highlighted that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Executive Order on Social Health Insurance Scheme, which positioned health insurance as a mandatory requirement for all residents, emphasised public awareness as an express mandate for LASHMA. “We are committed to ensuring that every Lagosian is adequately sensitized and educated on the significance and compulsory nature of social health insurance,” she stated, adding that LASHMA will continue to engage the media quarterly to provide updates and strengthen advocacy for UHC.
One of the major highlights of the event was the presentation on ILERA ‘N TIWA Cooperative, a newly introduced initiative aimed at adequately integrating the informal sector into the health insurance ecosystem. According to Dr. Zamba, the initiative provides flexible payment plans for artisans, traders, and low-income earners, ensuring they are not left behind in the quest for improved healthcare access.
Dr. Zamba also shed more light on the recently launched ILERA EKO Academy, which is set to train a larger sales force to increase public awareness and drive enrollment. “This academy serves as a platform for training agents who will educate Lagosians on the benefits of enrolling in ILERA EKO,” she explained. The PS further disclosed that the agency through the academy has already trained 250 sales agents between 2024 and 2025, with more sessions planned for the coming months.
The Permanent Secretary revealed that LASHMA has expanded its registration options, including physical enrollment centres located across Lagos and at designated community pharmacies, USSD registration, and an online portal to make health insurance even more accessible. “Let me reiterate that ILERA EKO is mandatory for every resident in Lagos State. For those who are yet to enroll, registration has been made simple and accessible. You can register at our Head Office, The Good Shepherd House opposite Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, at our Divisional and Sub-Divisional Offices, kiosks across the State, or at any Community Pharmacy or Provider under the Ilera Eko Scheme”, she said.
burden of medical expenses for his family. “If I had not subscribed to the Ilera Eko plan, I might have died,” he said. “An agent in Ikorodu introduced me to the scheme, and I immediately registered my entire family. Since then, we have received medical care without paying extra fees. I thank the Governor of Lagos State for this initiative.”
Similarly, Alhaja Sowemimo praised the scheme after benefiting from comprehensive health screenings. “A young lady introduced me to Ilera Eko, and three months after enrolling, I went to the hospital for a general body test. I didn’t pay a dime for all the medical tests I did,” she said. She commended the Lagos State Government for prioritizing the health of its residents and ensuring accessible healthcare for all.
With LASHMA’s renewed focus on accessibility, inclusivity, and awareness, the agency is poised to make significant strides in transforming healthcare delivery in Lagos State. As Dr. Zamba aptly put it, “ILERA EKO is not just a programme, it is a movement towards a healthier, more secure Lagos. Together, we can achieve UHC and ensure no resident is left behind.”
