The Lagos State Government has vowed to begin the enforcement of compulsory health insurance policy for residents.
A Thursday statement noted that the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health Management Agency, Dr Emmanuel Zamba, said the enforcement would begin in earnest in early 2026, in line with the Executive Order signed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in July 2025.
She made this known at the Ilera Eko Providers Forum held at the Lagos Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, where key stakeholders across the health insurance value chain, including healthcare providers, health maintenance organisations, and technical partners, gathered to review progress and discuss future implementation strategies.
The order mandates that residents must show evidence of enrolment in a health insurance scheme before accessing public health services, excluding emergencies.
“We want all residents to be aware and onboard before enforcement begins,” the permanent secretary said, urging residents to embrace the scheme as a financial protection tool.
“We are finalising our emergency services programme to ensure that no Lagos resident is denied urgent care.”
“People in emergencies must be treated without first presenting an insurance ID,” Zamba added.
