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By Doris Obinna
The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has introduced a flexible payment platform, Ilera Eko EasyPay, to enable residents to make gradual contributions toward their health insurance premiums as the state intensifies enforcement of compulsory coverage. The initiative was unveiled during the agency’s 2026 first quarter media briefing, where stakeholders reviewed ongoing activities and future plans.
Permanent Secretary, LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, said the platform was designed to address economic challenges and remove financial barriers preventing low- and middle-income earners, as well as informal sector workers, from enrolling in health insurance.
She explained that the wallet-based system allows residents to save incrementally over three months until their premiums are fully paid, after which coverage becomes active for one year. Individuals can save up to N15,000, while families of four and six can contribute up to N55,000 and N80,000 respectively within the period.
Zamba noted that the platform promotes a savings culture, eliminates the burden of lump-sum payments and reduces the number of uninsured residents. She added that the system provides secure transactions, automated payment tracking and potential interest on savings.
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The agency also announced stricter enforcement of the 2024 Executive Order (EO) mandating health insurance for all residents. Under the first phase, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are required to demand proof of enrolment in the Ilera Eko scheme before granting access to services.
Zamba said compliance assessments had been conducted across MDAs, with directives to establish help desks to assist residents. Subsequent phases will target the informal sector and later the organised private sector.
To ensure service quality, LASHMA has begun facility readiness assessments across healthcare centres, with hospitals required to create enrolment desks for uninsured patients and vulnerable groups. The state has also increased its equity fund from N1 billion to N3 billion to support indigent residents with free healthcare coverage.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Olarewaju Bajulaiye, commended the agency for involving young people in public awareness efforts, noting that children can serve as effective ambassadors for health initiatives within their homes and communities.
Technical Assistant to the Permanent Secretary, LASHMA, Dr. Nifesimi Akinnagbe, said the agency was scaling up grassroots sensitisation through town hall meetings, local government partnerships and engagement with market associations and trade groups. He added that accredited healthcare providers were being trained to align with the new policy framework, while uninsured patients would increasingly be enrolled at the point of care.
