Lagos to Enforce Mandatory Health Insurance in Hospitals

​IKEJA, Lagos – The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has signaled a decisive shift in the state’s healthcare landscape, announcing the commencement of structured enforcement for mandatory health insurance across all public and private hospitals.

​Speaking at the Agency’s First Quarter 2026 Healthcare Providers’ Engagement Meeting in Alausa, the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, revealed that the era of mere sensitization has transitioned into a period of active compliance. This move follows the Executive Order signed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, which seeks to insulate the state’s nearly 30 million residents from the financial shock of out-of-pocket medical expenses.

​A Phased Approach to Compliance

​Dr. Zamba, represented by the Coordinator of Regulations, Mr. Tosin Awosika, noted that enforcement activities began in February 2026 within the state’s Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). The next phase will see a heightened focus on healthcare facilities, spanning both the formal and informal sectors.

​“We are not out to victimize anyone or lock up facilities,” Dr. Zamba clarified. “Our goal is to ensure every resident is captured under a structured plan. Health insurance is a protective mechanism; while no one plans to fall ill, financial protection must be in place before the need arises.”

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​The Role of Healthcare Providers

​LASHMA identified healthcare providers as “critical gatekeepers” in the drive toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC). To facilitate this, hospitals have been urged to:

• ​Establish Enrollment Desks: Facilities are expected to provide on-the-spot registration for uninsured walk-in patients.
• ​Adhere to Emergency Protocols: In line with the Executive Order, providers must stabilize patients in life-threatening emergencies first before requesting proof of insurance.
• ​Prioritize Internal Coverage: Facilities are mandated to lead by example by ensuring all their own staff are enrolled in the ILERA EKO Health Insurance Plan.

​Strengthening the System

​The Agency has already begun “readiness visits” to empanelled facilities to assess operational standards and documentation. Dr. Zamba highlighted that recent audits showed many systemic challenges are linked to poor clinical record-keeping rather than medical errors. Proper documentation, she stressed, is essential for protecting both the practitioner and the patient.

​To ensure a seamless rollout, LASHMA is collaborating with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to align regulatory oversight. The state has also expanded its Equity Fund—which provides coverage for vulnerable residents—to N3 billion as of early 2026, ensuring that the mandate does not leave the underprivileged behind.

​As Lagos aims to become the first state in Nigeria to operationalize a statewide mandatory system, officials maintain that the policy is a legal obligation designed to eliminate “health poverty” and ensure that quality care is a right, not a privilege determined by one’s bank balance.