The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Health Management Agency, has launched an intensive sensitisation campaign to enforce the ILERA EKO health insurance scheme.
The initiative is designed to make health coverage compulsory for all residents, with the aim of improving life expectancy and protecting households from “catastrophic medical expenses.”
Speaking at a two-day capacity-building workshop for journalists organised by LASHMA in collaboration with the International Society of Media in Public Health, the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr Emmanuella Zamba, emphasised that the scheme is no longer merely optional but essential for financial security.
“When you set aside this affordable sum, you guarantee health for your family,” Dr Zamba stated. “You can then plan for better schools or housing. If you leave your health to chance, you can impoverish your family overnight.”
Although the state does not intend to arrest individuals for non-compliance, the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Mr Kehinde Doudu, clarified the enforcement approach that residents who are not enrolled in ILERA EKO will be denied access to state government healthcare facilities.
To support enrollees, LASHMA has established a 24-hour call centre to resolve hospital-related issues in real time.
Coverage and Pricing Plans
The scheme covers primary care, including treatment for fevers, minor injuries, and common illnesses, as well as annual wellness screenings after one year of enrolment. It also provides key maternal and child health services, including Caesarean sections and newborn immunisations.
ILERA EKO pricing structure:
• Standard individual – ₦10,000
• Standard Jara individual – ₦15,000
• Standard Jara Plus individual – ₦40,000
• Family packages are available for households of four or six, with scaled pricing.
Expanding the Network
The LASHMA provider network has expanded to 706 facilities across all Local Government Areas, including:
• 207 Family Health Centres
• 25 General Hospitals
• 2 Federal Hospitals
The agency also announced the forthcoming launch of the LASHMA Aid Programme in April, an emergency response component featuring a fleet of partner ambulances.
How to Register
Residents can enrol through the following channels:
• USSD: Dial 6700006#
• Online: Visit the official LASHMA portal
• In person: LASHMA Headquarters, Alausa, or any designated enrolment point
• Mobile: The ILERA EKO app is currently accessible via the web, with a Google Play Store launch expected soon
The agency is also utilising the country’s first insurance-focused online radio station and maintaining active social media platforms on X, Instagram, and TikTok to reach and engage residents.