Lagos Tightens ILERA EKO Enforcement, Launches EasyPay to Expand Health Insurance Access
Korede Abdullah 
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Lagos State Government has intensified enforcement of its mandatory health insurance scheme, ILERA EKO, shifting focus to healthcare providers while introducing flexible payment options to expand coverage.
Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Health Management Agency, Emmanuella Zamba, said the next phase prioritises service quality after improvements in enrolment compliance across ministries, departments, and agencies.
“We have made progress on enrolment and compliance at the MDA level. The next phase will focus on provider compliance to ensure residents receive quality healthcare services,” she said.
Zamba attributed delays in accessing care largely to documentation gaps from providers, noting that approvals typically take between 45 minutes and one hour when processes are complete.
“What we have realised is that approval is not only dependent on LASHMA; it also depends on the provider,” she added.
To improve affordability, the state introduced “ILERA EKO EasyPay,” a wallet-based platform allowing residents to make incremental premium payments.
“This initiative is designed to reduce financial barriers… Health insurance is not a luxury, it is a necessity,” Zamba said.
She also highlighted awareness campaigns, including journalist training and public engagement initiatives, stressing that success depends on collaboration among government, providers, and enrollees.
The reforms are part of broader efforts to strengthen universal health coverage and ensure equitable access to healthcare services across Lagos.
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