The Lagos State Government has given residents until December 31, 2026, to obtain health insurance before mandatory enforcement begins on January 1, 2027.
According to The PUNCH, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced the deadline on Tuesday during the launch of the Lagos Private Health Plans in Victoria Island.
The governor explained that the policy would ensure residents could access quality healthcare without facing overwhelming medical expenses.
The directive affects residents, employers and workers across the state under Executive Order EO/BOS/01 of 2024.
Lagos health insurance deadline takes effect December 31
A statement from the governor’s media office confirmed that residents must obtain insurance coverage before the deadline.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu gave every resident until 31 December 2026 to obtain insurance cover, with enforcement commencing on 1 January 2027,” the statement read.
Sanwo-Olu explained that the policy was intended to reduce the financial burden of healthcare on individuals and families.
He urged employers to treat workers’ healthcare as an essential business responsibility, similar to pension contributions.
The governor also stressed that hospitals must not reject patients requiring emergency medical attention because of financial difficulties.
He directed healthcare providers to stabilise emergency patients before addressing payment or insurance arrangements.
Lagos unveils new health insurance plans
Sanwo-Olu also introduced the Lagos Private Health Plans to expand insurance coverage among salaried workers and corporate organisations.
The initiative will complement the existing Ilera Eko scheme, which supports vulnerable residents and workers in the informal sector.
The governor disclosed that 21 health maintenance organisations had agreed to participate in the new programme.
He maintained that the government preferred voluntary compliance before enforcement began.
“I truly, truly want compliance. I don’t want a horse whip for anybody,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He also appealed to Nigerian medical professionals considering relocation abroad to reconsider, citing efforts to improve healthcare financing.
Lagos increases health support fund to N3bn
The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, said rising medical costs had increased the need for comprehensive health insurance.
He explained that modern diagnostic equipment, artificial intelligence and other technological advances had increased healthcare expenses.
Abayomi described the initiative as an important shift away from direct payments for medical treatment.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Lagos State Health Management Agency, Dr Adebayo Adedewe, disclosed that the government had increased its Health Equity Fund from N1 billion to N3 billion.
He explained that the funding would provide insurance coverage for more than 500,000 vulnerable residents unable to afford premiums.
Adedewe added that the agency would intensify public awareness campaigns through radio, billboards, digital platforms and grassroots organisations.
The government maintained that the new arrangements would expand healthcare access and reduce financial pressure on Lagos households.
