In a renewed drive to achieve universal health insurance coverage, the Lagos State Government has introduced a wallet-based payment solution known as ILERA EKO EasyPay, designed to make premium payments more flexible and accessible for residents.
The initiative, launched through the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), is intended to ease the financial burden on enrollees by allowing incremental contributions, with particular emphasis on low- and middle-income earners in the informal sector.
The Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, disclosed this during a quarterly media briefing on Monday, noting that the new platform builds on the existing “Pay-Small-Small” scheme.
Zamba explained that ILERA EKO EasyPay enables residents to contribute gradually toward their health insurance premiums, in line with current economic realities and income patterns.
According to her, the innovation forms part of government’s broader strategy to dismantle long-standing financial barriers that have hindered widespread participation in health insurance programmes.
“This platform ensures that a greater number of Lagos residents can access quality healthcare services without the strain of large upfront payments,” Zamba said.
The development comes amid intensified enforcement of the state’s compulsory health insurance policy, backed by an executive order signed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Under the policy, residents may be required to present proof of health insurance to access selected public services, including school enrolment and driver’s licence renewals.
Zamba, however, clarified that the policy is not punitive in nature, but designed to encourage compliance while safeguarding access to essential healthcare services.
“We are not denying anyone their rights. Rather, we are creating structured pathways to ensure that every resident is adequately covered,” she added.
Providing an update on the agency’s performance, Zamba said LASHMA recorded significant progress in the first quarter of 2026, particularly in expanding public awareness and strengthening compliance.
She disclosed that the agency, in collaboration with the International Society of Media in Public Health, trained 72 journalists to enhance reportage on social health insurance, while also conducting its inaugural compliance assessment across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
As part of its operational restructuring, LASHMA has introduced cluster managers and area commanders to deepen grassroots engagement and streamline registration processes across local government areas.
The agency has also commenced capacity-building programmes for healthcare providers to align with the evolving policy framework, with enforcement expected to extend to provider compliance in subsequent phases.
In addition, LASHMA is actively promoting youth engagement through the ILERA EKO Essay Competition in public schools, which attracted over 700 entries. Twelve outstanding participants were selected and designated as health insurance ambassadors.
Zamba further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to vulnerable groups, disclosing that funding for the health insurance equity programme has been increased to ₦3 billion in 2026 to support indigent residents.
She underscored the importance of health insurance as a critical safeguard against financial shocks arising from illness.
“Illness does not give advance notice. Health insurance ensures that even when funds are not immediately available, residents can still access quality care without delay,” she said.
