Lagos Makes Health Insurance Mandatory at All Clinics

Millions of Lagos residents are about to get a healthcare safety net they've never had before.

Lagos State is enforcing mandatory health insurance across all primary health centers, ensuring no one is denied care because they lack coverage. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu signed the order in July 2024, and now health officials are making it real at the grassroots level.

Here's what changes: When patients arrive at a clinic without insurance, staff won't turn them away. Instead, they'll enroll them on the spot through the ILERA EKO Scheme and provide care immediately.

Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, who leads the Lagos State Health Management Agency, explained that primary health centers serve as the first point of contact for most residents. Making insurance accessible right where people seek care removes a major barrier.

The policy tackles a painful reality many Nigerians know too well. Out-of-pocket medical expenses can devastate families financially, forcing impossible choices between treatment and other necessities.

Under the new system, life-threatening emergencies get treated first, no questions asked. Patients are stabilized before any enrollment paperwork begins, ensuring critical care isn't delayed by administrative processes.

The state created an Equity Fund using one percent of its revenue specifically to cover vulnerable populations who can't afford premiums. This ensures the poorest residents still receive quality care.

The Ripple Effect

This policy represents a fundamental shift in how Nigeria's most populous state delivers healthcare. Lagos is home to over 20 million people, many of whom have never had consistent access to affordable medical care.

Dr. Monsurat Adeleke, a district health official, shared a telling story about her own driver. Despite being enrolled as her dependent with valid coverage, he still paid out-of-pocket at a facility because the system wasn't being fully utilized.

Her experience highlights why enforcement matters. The infrastructure exists, but awareness and implementation need to catch up. Health officials are now becoming ambassadors for the program, spreading the word throughout their districts.

The broader vision aligns with Nigeria's path toward Universal Health Coverage. When more people join the insurance pool, costs decrease and quality improves for everyone.

Healthcare providers must now verify insurance status, facilitate enrollment, and guide patients through activation. The Lagos State Health Management Agency introduced verification systems and launched the LASHMA-AID program specifically for emergency care coordination.

Officials are calling on both public and private sectors to drive enrollment, recognizing that widespread participation creates the healthy Lagos everyone wants.