Lagos Enforces Social Insurance Executive Order

The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has officially engaged Medical Directors of General Hospitals to accelerate the implementation of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Executive Order on mandatory Social Health Insurance. This strategic meeting, held at the Sojourner Hotel in Ikeja, marks a turning point in the state’s quest for Universal Health Coverage. By positioning public secondary health facilities as the frontline of enforcement, the state aims to ensure that no resident is left without a financial safety net for healthcare.

During the session, LASHMA Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, emphasized that healthcare providers are the primary drivers of this policy's success. Under the new mandate, General Hospitals are now required to verify insurance enrollment at the point of care and facilitate on-the-spot registration for uninsured patients. This shift moves the conversation beyond routine service delivery and places a significant administrative and operational responsibility on hospital leadership to ensure compliance.

​A critical component of this rollout is the prioritization of life-saving interventions. Dr. Zamba clarified that in emergency situations, patients must be stabilized immediately before any insurance verification occurs. This "patient-first" approach ensures that the mandate serves as a tool for saving lives rather than a barrier to urgent care. Furthermore, a new framework called LASHMA-AID is set to launch on December 18, 2025, to streamline emergency service protocols.

​The Permanent Secretary of the Health Service Commission, Dr. Abimbola Mabogunje, highlighted the economic necessity of this transition. Citing research that shows a high percentage of children and families still paying out-of-pocket, she noted that the current system is unsustainable. The goal of "ILERA EKO" is to provide financial protection and peace of mind, moving Lagosians away from the burden of immediate, high-cost medical bills during times of crisis.

As the state moves toward full implementation, LASHMA has introduced digital verification systems and provider-led enrollment processes to reduce friction. The agency remains committed to addressing systemic challenges and collaborating with medical directors to refine the user experience. By making health insurance a mandatory reality, Lagos State is taking a bold step toward a future where quality healthcare is a right for every resident, regardless of their immediate financial status.