Lagos Tightens Mandatory Health Insurance Policy to Save Lives

By Love Oyedokun

LAGOS, Nigeria-As part of measures to ensure that all residents of Lagos State have access to quality healthcare, the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has reiterated its commitment to implementing the state’s health insurance scheme. According to Dr. Emmanuela Zamba, the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, the scheme is designed to provide a safety net for individuals and families, protecting them from the financial burden of unexpected medical expenses.

Cablenews24 reports that while speaking to journalists at the 2026 Q1 media parley held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) event center in Alausa, Ikeja, Dr. Zamba emphasized that health is a fundamental human right, and the government is not seeking to deprive anyone of this right. Rather, the aim is to encourage all residents to key into the scheme, thereby preventing unnecessary loss of lives.

To achieve this goal, the government has introduced gatekeeping policies, which will guide and compel individuals to enroll in the health insurance scheme. For instance, all public interfacing ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) will require individuals to show proof of health insurance coverage before accessing public services such as license renewal or enrolling children in school. Those without coverage will be supported in getting enrolled, ensuring that no one is deprived of essential services.

Dr. Emmanuella Zama, PS, LASHMA

Dr. Zamba noted that this approach is not unique to Lagos State, as social health insurance is compulsory in many developed countries. She emphasized that the scheme is designed to protect individuals and families from the financial shocks associated with unexpected medical expenses. “Illness will not tell you when it’s going to come, and it’s not going to tell you how seriously or severely it is going to come. It’s not going to tell you how much it is going to impoverish you and your family when it does come,” she warned.

To address the cultural and awareness gaps surrounding health insurance, the government will continue to invest in public awareness and capacity building programs. These initiatives will educate residents on the importance of paying for healthcare ahead of time, even if they are not currently sick or consider themselves healthy.

In a significant development, the Lagos State Government has increased the equity fund to N3 billion in 2026, which will be used to pay for the health insurance coverage of vulnerable individuals in the state. This move demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring that all residents, regardless of their socio-economic status, have access to quality healthcare.

The Permanent Secretary urged all residents to take advantage of the scheme, emphasizing that it is a common-sense approach to ensuring that individuals and families are protected from the financial burden of medical expenses. “You can pay a little now and ensure that the day your family needs healthcare, even if you have zero Naira in your pocket, you can walk confidently to your provider and access care,” she said.

Clarifying the government’s stance on enforcement, Dr. Zamba explained that the administration is shifting away from traditional punitive measures toward a “gatekeeping” policy. Under this new framework, access to specific public services will be linked to proof of health insurance coverage.

“We are not here to deprive people of their rights,” Dr. Zamba clarified. “Health is a fundamental human right. Instead of carrying sticks to force compliance, we are putting in place gatekeeping policies to guide and compel residents toward the scheme.”

The policy will apply to various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) that interface directly with the public. Residents seeking services such as the renewal of licenses or the enrollment of children in public schools will be required to show valid proof of health insurance.

Dr. Zamba was quick to note that the policy is designed to assist, not obstruct, residents: “Once you come for these services, if you do not have coverage, we will be there to support you in getting enrolled on the spot. You will not be deprived of the service, but you will be brought on board.”

As the Lagos State Health Management Agency continues to implement the health insurance scheme, residents can expect to see significant improvements in the state’s healthcare system. With the government’s commitment to increasing access to quality healthcare, Lagos State is poised to become a model for other states in Nigeria to follow.

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