Sanwo-Olu Sets Health Insurance Deadline for Lagosians

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced a deadline of December 31, 2026, for residents, employers, and workers to obtain health insurance, with enforcement of mandatory coverage beginning in January 2027. This announcement was made during the launch of the Lagos Private Health Plans (LPHP), aimed at extending health insurance to salary earners and corporate organizations, complementing the existing Ilera Eko scheme for vulnerable residents and informal sector workers.

The initiative, introduced under Executive Order EO/BOS/01/2024, seeks to alleviate financial burdens from medical expenses. Sanwo-Olu emphasized the importance of access to health insurance for all residents, stating that the new plans would cover formal-sector workers and corporate organizations.

He noted that 21 Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) have endorsed participation in the new plans. To facilitate implementation, an enforcement task force and an implementation steering committee will be established.

The governor expressed a desire for voluntary compliance rather than coercive measures.