The Lagos State Government has announced plans to begin enforcing mandatory health insurance coverage for residents, employees and employers from January 1, 2027, giving them until December 31, 2026, to comply with the requirement.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced the policy on Wednesday during the launch of the Lagos Private Health Plans (LPHP) in Victoria Island. The event was held under the theme, “Lagos Covered, a Shared Commitment, a Healthier Lagos.”
According to the governor, enforcement of Executive Order EO/BOS/01 of 2024 will commence at the beginning of 2027, making health insurance coverage a requirement for the categories covered by the policy.
Sanwo-Olu said the initiative was designed to improve access to quality healthcare and prevent residents from experiencing severe financial difficulties because of medical expenses.
He explained that achieving universal health coverage would require a shared commitment from individuals, businesses and the state government.
The governor also urged employers to prioritise the healthcare needs of their workers, describing health insurance as a necessary business expense comparable to pension contributions and other statutory responsibilities.
The newly launched Lagos Private Health Plans will cater primarily to salaried employees and corporate organisations. Meanwhile, the existing Ilera Eko programme will continue to serve vulnerable residents and people working in the informal sector.
Sanwo-Olu further warned healthcare providers against refusing emergency treatment to patients who cannot immediately afford medical bills. He stressed that patients must first be stabilised before payment or insurance arrangements are discussed.
The governor disclosed that 21 health maintenance organisations had already endorsed the new private health plans, describing the programme as a collaborative effort between the state government and private healthcare operators.
With enforcement scheduled to begin in January 2027, residents and employers have until the end of December 2026 to secure the required coverage under the announced policy.
