Lagos Health Insurance: Hamzat Targets Coverage for One in Three Residents
Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat has proposed expanding Lagos State’s Ilera Eko health insurance scheme to cover one in every three residents, with priority for poorer households and vulnerable groups. At his manifesto launch on 30 October 2026, he said nearly two million Lagosians already had an Ilera Eko card. The proposal is part of his 2027–2031 healthcare agenda; it is not a change already in effect. Ilera Eko is administered by the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA). Its packages cover services such as consultations, maternal and child care, tests and hospital treatment, but benefits vary by plan and provider. An August 2026 briefing reported annual premiums starting at ₦15,000 for Standard Ilera Eko and ₦40,000 for Standard Ilera Eko Plus. Residents should confirm current prices, benefits and accredited facilities with LASHMA. LASHMA says its equity fund supports vulnerable residents who cannot afford premiums. The agency reported that the fund’s allocation increased from ₦1 billion to ₦3 billion. Hamzat’s proposal also includes more maternal and child health centres, upgraded primary healthcare centres, two new general hospitals, completion of ongoing hospital projects and recruitment of additional health workers. Lagos has made Ilera Eko registration mandatory, with enforcement reported to begin on 1 January 2027. Whether the proposed expansion improves access will depend on funding, enrolment and the capacity of healthcare facilities to serve more members.
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