The Lagos State Government has taken a significant step towards achieving Universal Health Coverage by recognizing 63 of its Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for complying with the state’s Executive Order on mandatory subscription to social health insurance. The certificates of compliance were presented by the Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, during an event organised by the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA). This development is a major milestone in the implementation of social health insurance in Lagos.
The Executive Order, signed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on July 16, 2024, makes enrolment in the Lagos State Social Health Insurance Scheme mandatory for residents. The scheme aims to accelerate Universal Health Coverage and reduce financial barriers to accessing healthcare. To ensure compliance, LASHMA identified four key requirements: presentation of proof of ILERA EKO enrolment by residents accessing government services; enrolment of all staff, including non-Oracle and non-pensionable workers; inclusion of LASHMA’s official website URL on MDA websites; and provision of dedicated spaces for LASHMA personnel to verify enrolment and provide support.
According to LASHMA Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, the agency constituted an MDA Engagement Team in October 2024 to create awareness and promote institutional compliance. The engagement was subsequently strengthened through meetings with the Body of Permanent Secretaries in September 2025 and Heads of Agencies in December 2025. This effort was aimed at ensuring that MDAs complied with the provisions of the Executive Order. The Lagos State Health Scheme Enforcement Team was inaugurated by the Head of Service on January 21, 2026, to coordinate compliance monitoring across the public service.
The enforcement team conducted a baseline assessment of MDAs, followed by subsequent visits to evaluate progress. According to Dr. Zamba, 62 MDAs were initially found fully compliant, while another 21 achieved compliance following a later assessment. However, Mr. Agoro said 63 MDAs were being recognised at the event, describing the achievement as a landmark in the implementation of social health insurance in Lagos. He stressed that the certificate was more than a ceremonial document, describing it as evidence of institutional compliance and leadership by example.
Mr. Agoro disclosed that implementation of the Executive Order would be carried out in phases, beginning with MDAs before extending to other sectors and categories of residents. He directed MDAs yet to achieve full compliance to do so by November 30, 2026, urging Accounting Officers and Heads of Agencies to treat the directive as an institutional priority. This move is expected to ensure that all MDAs sustain the requirements and maintain compliance.
LASHMA has also trained Verification Officers and designated ILERA EKO Focal Persons across MDAs to verify enrolment and assist residents who are yet to register. This effort is aimed at ensuring a smooth enrolment process and providing support to residents. Mr. Agoro commended LASHMA, the enforcement team and compliant MDAs for their efforts in achieving this milestone.
The recognition of the 63 MDAs is a significant achievement in the implementation of social health insurance in Lagos. Key points include:
Key points
- The Lagos State Government has recognized 63 MDAs for complying with the state’s Executive Order on mandatory subscription to social health insurance.
- The Executive Order aims to accelerate Universal Health Coverage and reduce financial barriers to accessing healthcare.
- Compliance monitoring will continue periodically to ensure that MDAs sustain the requirements.
