LASHMA to Enforce Providers’ Compliance with Ilera Eko

The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) says it is set to enforce compliance among healthcare providers with the State Social Health Insurance Scheme, also known as Ilera Eko.

The agency noted that the enforcement drive is part of its commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in the state.

LASHMA Chief Executive Officer, Dr Emmanuella Zamba, disclosed this while addressing journalists at the 2026 First Quarter Media Parley held at the LCCI, Olowopopo, CBD, Alausa, Ikeja. She highlighted the agency’s achievements in the first quarter of the year, as well as planned activities for the months ahead.

Among the key milestones recorded during the period under review, Dr Zamba identified an increase in enrolment among public servants, driven by intensified enforcement efforts across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

“Today, I am pleased to inform you that the agency has completed its first compliance assessment of MDAs. Agencies with public interface can now seamlessly verify residents’ enrolment status through their portals,” she said.

She also announced the completion of training for healthcare providers on the mandatory social health insurance scheme, noting that the next phase will focus on enforcing compliance.

“Healthcare providers have been trained in line with the Executive Order, and the next phase of enforcement will focus on provider compliance. While we have made significant progress, our commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Lagos State remains steadfast,” she added.

To cushion the impact of current economic realities on residents, Dr Zamba disclosed an innovation by the agency, the introduction of Ilera Eko EasyPay. This wallet-based payment platform enables residents to make incremental contributions toward their health insurance premiums.

She explained that the initiative is designed to reduce financial barriers and expand access, particularly for low- and middle-income earners, as well as those in the informal sector.

According to her, Ilera Eko EasyPay is an offshoot of the agency’s “Pay-Small-Small” initiative, aimed at making health insurance more affordable and accessible to all Lagos residents.

Dr Zamba further revealed that, within the first quarter, the agency trained 72 journalists in two batches, in collaboration with ISMPH, on social health insurance. She noted that the initiative underscores the critical role of health writers in amplifying the Ilera Eko message, while commending their professionalism and continued partnership.

In addition, as part of its commitment to youth engagement and sustainability, the agency collaborated with the education sector to organise the Ilera Eko Essay Competition across public schools. The competition attracted 731 entries, of which 500 met the required criteria and were assessed.

From the pool of entries, 12 outstanding winners emerged across four categories and were celebrated alongside their parents and teachers.

Zamba said the initiative reflects growing awareness among young people and reinforces the agency’s vision of nurturing a generation that values health insurance and personal well-being.

The winners were formally decorated as Ilera Eko Advocates at the media parley, in recognition of their role in promoting health insurance awareness and championing a culture of wellness among their peers and communities.

The LASHMA CEO urged the young champions to serve as ambassadors of Ilera Eko within their communities.