Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has given residents, workers and employers until December 31, 2026, to obtain health insurance, as the state prepares to begin full enforcement of its mandatory health coverage policy on January 1, 2027.
The governor announced the deadline on Tuesday, October 27, during the launch of the Lagos Private Health Plans (LPHP) partnership and the flag-off of enforcement under Executive Order EO/BOS/01 of 2024.
The initiative is designed to expand access to healthcare and reduce the financial pressure on households that often pay medical bills directly from their income.
Sanwo-Olu said the government wanted residents to enrol voluntarily during the grace period rather than face unnecessary confrontation when enforcement begins.
The policy places responsibilities on individuals, employers and government to ensure that residents have access to social health insurance.
At the event held at Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, the governor unveiled the Lagos Private Health Plans, which will provide additional insurance options for salaried workers and corporate organisations.
The new arrangement is expected to complement the existing Ilera Eko scheme, which serves vulnerable residents and people working in the informal sector.
Sanwo-Olu explained that the state needed a broader framework to accommodate different categories of residents, including employees whose healthcare coverage may be provided through their workplaces.
He said 21 Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) had agreed to participate in the partnership, giving residents and employers more options for accessing health insurance.
The governor also directed relevant agencies to provide operational guidelines and support to help residents and businesses complete enrolment before the deadline.
Under the policy, employers are expected to ensure that their workers have appropriate health insurance coverage.
Sanwo-Olu said businesses should regard healthcare provision for employees as an essential responsibility, similar to other employment-related obligations.
The government also plans to monitor participating HMOs to ensure that claims are settled promptly and healthcare providers receive payments for services rendered.
According to the governor, an effective insurance system would help hospitals plan their operations, improve service delivery and reduce the pressure caused by unpredictable payments.
He further stressed that patients requiring emergency medical attention must be stabilised before discussions about payment or insurance coverage.
The state government has also increased its Health Equity Fund from ₦1 billion to ₦3 billion to support vulnerable residents who may struggle to afford insurance premiums.
The fund is intended to help expand coverage among people who might otherwise be excluded because of financial difficulties.
Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, said wider participation was necessary to strengthen the health insurance system and make healthcare financing more sustainable.
The state has set a target of increasing the number of insured residents from approximately two million to at least 10 million.
Residents who have not obtained health insurance are expected to enrol through the Lagos State Health Management Agency or an eligible accredited insurance provider before December 31, 2026.
Workers should also confirm whether their employers have arranged appropriate coverage, while business owners are expected to comply with the requirements applicable to their organisations.
The government says the policy is intended to reduce dependence on out-of-pocket payments and help residents access medical care without facing overwhelming expenses when illness occurs.
With enforcement scheduled to begin on January 1, 2027, the remaining months of 2026 will serve as the transition period for residents and employers to secure coverage.