RismadarVoice Reporters
October 28, 2026
The Lagos State Government has given residents, employers and workers until December 31, 2026, to obtain health insurance coverage, announcing that enforcement of its mandatory insurance policy will begin on January 1, 2027.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced the deadline on Tuesday during the launch of the Lagos Private Health Plan Partnership at Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island.
The initiative, introduced under Executive Order EO/BOS/01/2024, is designed to expand access to healthcare and reduce the financial burden of medical treatment on residents.
Sanwo-Olu explained that the new Lagos Private Health Plans would provide insurance options for salaried workers and corporate organisations, complementing the existing Ilera Eko scheme for vulnerable residents and those in the informal sector.
He said the government had granted a grace period to allow individuals and employers to register before enforcement begins.
The governor urged employers to treat workers’ healthcare as an essential responsibility, comparable to pension contributions and other employment obligations.
He also warned healthcare providers against denying emergency treatment to patients because of their inability to pay or lack of insurance, stressing that patients requiring urgent attention must first be stabilised.
According to Sanwo-Olu, 21 Health Maintenance Organisations have joined the initiative to expand coverage and strengthen healthcare delivery.
He announced the establishment of an implementation steering committee and an enforcement task force to coordinate compliance.
The governor also said participating insurers would be monitored to ensure prompt settlement of hospital claims and delivery of services covered by their plans.
Speaking at the event, Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, said excessive dependence on direct medical payments exposed families to financial difficulties.
Abayomi disclosed that approximately two million Lagos residents currently had health insurance, while the government was targeting at least 10 million beneficiaries.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Lagos State Health Management Agency, Dr Adebayo Adedewe, announced that the state’s Health Equity Fund had increased from ₦1 billion to ₦3 billion.
He said the additional funding would strengthen insurance support for vulnerable residents unable to afford premiums.
The agency also plans to intensify public awareness through community engagement, media campaigns and partnerships with market associations, transport unions and traditional institutions.
The government said operational guidelines would clarify contributions, minimum benefits and compliance requirements ahead of January 2027.
Residents and employers have been encouraged to use the remaining grace period to secure appropriate coverage.
