Lagos Health Insurance: How Journalists Can Boost ILERA EKO Uptake in 2026

How Journalists Can Turn ILERA EKO into a Household Name in Lagos

As Lagos State strengthens enforcement of its mandatory ILERA EKO health insurance scheme, journalists have been handed a critical role: to inform, educate, and build trust among residents. At a recent two-day capacity-building workshop organised by the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Permanent Secretary Dr. Emmanuella Zamba challenged media professionals to lead the charge in driving awareness and uptake of the scheme. With enforcement looming, the message is clear: without public buy-in, even the best policies will struggle to succeed.

For millions of Lagosians, the term “ILERA EKO” may still sound like bureaucratic jargon rather than a lifeline to affordable healthcare. But that is about to change. By leveraging their platforms, credibility, and reach, journalists can transform ILERA EKO from a policy document into a trusted public service—one story at a time. The stakes are high: improving healthcare access, reducing out-of-pocket spending, and building a healthier Lagos for all.

In this guide, we explore how media practitioners—from print to broadcast, digital to community radio—can effectively communicate the value of ILERA EKO, address misconceptions, and encourage participation before enforcement begins.

Why ILERA EKO Matters for Every Lagosian in 2026 and Beyond

The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) launched ILERA EKO in 2024 as part of a broader push to achieve universal health coverage (UHC) by 2030. The scheme mandates that all residents—including informal sector workers, artisans, traders, and professionals—enrol in a health insurance plan. The goal is simple: ensure that no one is denied essential healthcare due to inability to pay.

Under ILERA EKO, residents can access a defined package of health services at accredited public and private health facilities across the state. The scheme is designed to be affordable, with premiums subsidised for low-income earners and flexible payment options for others. But despite these efforts, uptake has been slower than expected. A 2025 LASHMA survey revealed that only 42% of Lagos residents were aware of the scheme, and just 28% had enrolled.

Dr. Zamba, speaking at the August 2026 workshop, emphasised that awareness is not enough—trust is essential. “People must believe that ILERA EKO will deliver real value,” she said. “If they hear stories of delayed claims, poor service, or hidden costs, they will stay away. The media has the power to shape these narratives.”

Breaking Down the Benefits: What ILERA EKO Offers Lagosians

ILERA EKO is more than a policy—it’s a safety net. Here’s what residents stand to gain:

Affordable access to quality care: Enrollees can visit accredited hospitals for consultations, tests, maternity care, surgeries, and emergency treatment at minimal or no cost.
Financial protection: Families are shielded from catastrophic health expenses that can push them into poverty.
Comprehensive coverage: The scheme covers a wide range of services, including preventive care, chronic disease management, and mental health support.
Flexible enrolment: Residents can register online, via mobile money, at designated centres, or through accredited agents.
Subsidies for the vulnerable: Low-income earners, people with disabilities, and the elderly receive premium waivers or reductions.

For a city like Lagos—where over 60% of residents rely on informal employment and out-of-pocket spending on health remains high—ILERA EKO is a game-changer. But its success hinges on widespread understanding and participation.

The Media’s Role: From Awareness to Action

Journalists are not just observers; they are gatekeepers of public knowledge. In the context of ILERA EKO, their role is threefold: inform, investigate, and inspire action. Here’s how they can make an impact:

1. Inform: Tell the ILERA EKO Story Clearly and Consistently

Many Lagosians still don’t know what ILERA EKO is, how it works, or how to enrol. Journalists can bridge this gap by producing clear, engaging content in formats that resonate with different audiences:

Explainer videos and infographics: Use short, shareable clips to break down premiums, benefits, and enrolment steps. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp are ideal for reaching younger and working-class audiences.
Local language content: Translate key messages into Yoruba, Pidgin, and other local languages. A trader in Mushin or a motorist in Ajegunle may not understand English health jargon—but they will respond to a simple message in their mother tongue.
Human-centred storytelling: Feature real people—artisans, market women, students—who have benefited from ILERA EKO. Their testimonials carry more weight than official statements.
Frequent updates: Regularly publish success stories, enrolment numbers, and facility updates to keep the topic alive in public discourse.

As one workshop participant noted, “We don’t just need to tell people about ILERA EKO—we need to show them how it affects their daily lives.”

2. Investigate: Hold the System Accountable

Trust is fragile. If residents hear stories of hospitals rejecting ILERA EKO cards or claims being delayed for months, they will hesitate to enrol. Investigative journalism can uncover and address these challenges before they escalate.

Journalists should:

Monitor accredited facilities: Visit hospitals to verify that staff are trained, systems are functional, and patients are being attended to promptly.
Track complaints: Set up a dedicated channel (e.g., a WhatsApp line or social media page) for residents to report issues with enrolment or service delivery.
Follow up on claims: Use Freedom of Information requests to obtain data on claim processing times and denial rates. Publish findings to push for improvements.
Highlight best practices: Recognise hospitals and Local Government Areas (LGAs) that are delivering excellent service under ILERA EKO.

By holding the system accountable, journalists can reassure the public that ILERA EKO is not just another government programme—but a reliable safety net.

3. Inspire Action: Make Enrolment Easy and Urgent

Awareness without action is meaningless. Journalists must move beyond “what” and “why” to “how” and “when.” Practical, solution-oriented content can drive enrolment:

Step-by-step guides: Publish articles or videos showing exactly how to enrol online, pay premiums, and access care. Include screenshots and hotline numbers.
Community outreach coverage: Attend LASHMA’s mobile enrolment drives in markets, motor parks, and estates. Document the process and interview participants.
Partnerships with influencers: Collaborate with trusted community leaders, religious figures, and local celebrities to endorse ILERA EKO. A word from a respected imam or pastor can carry more weight than a government jingle.
Deadline reminders: As enforcement approaches, publish countdowns and explain penalties for non-compliance (e.g., inability to access public hospitals without a card).

As Dr. Zamba put it, “We need journalists to make ILERA EKO feel like a necessity, not an option.”

Overcoming Barriers: Addressing Common Misconceptions

Despite its benefits, ILERA EKO faces scepticism and misinformation. Journalists must proactively address these concerns to build trust. Here are some of the most common objections—and how to respond:

“ILERA EKO is too expensive for me.”

This is a frequent complaint, especially among low-income earners. In reality, ILERA EKO offers tiered premiums based on income. For example:

Category A (high income): ₦120,000 per year
Category B (middle income): ₦60,000 per year
Category C (low income): ₦12,000 per year (with subsidies)
Category D (vulnerable groups): Free

Journalists can simplify this by comparing premiums to everyday expenses: “₦12,000 a year is less than the cost of one hospital visit for a family without insurance.” They can also highlight instalment plans and mobile money payment options to make enrolment more accessible.

“I don’t need health insurance—I’m healthy.”

This “it won’t happen to me” mindset is dangerous. Accidents, sudden illnesses, and emergencies do not discriminate. A 2025 report by the Lagos State Ministry of Health showed that over 60% of emergency hospital admissions in Lagos were unplanned—and many families faced financial ruin as a result.

Journalists can use real-life examples to illustrate this point. For instance, a story about a breadwinner who suffered a stroke and had to sell his shop to pay for treatment can drive home the importance of insurance. Personal stories resonate more than statistics.

“The hospitals under ILERA EKO are overcrowded and slow.”

Long queues and delayed care are valid concerns. However, LASHMA has been expanding the network of accredited facilities and training staff to improve efficiency. Journalists can:

Visit facilities to assess service quality and publish honest reviews.
Interview healthcare workers about staffing and resource challenges—and whether the government is addressing them.
Compare ILERA EKO hospitals with private facilities in terms of cost and accessibility.

Transparency builds trust. If problems exist, acknowledging them—and reporting on solutions—is more credible than ignoring them.

“I don’t trust the government to manage my health.”

Distrust in public institutions is a major hurdle. Journalists can counter this by:

Highlighting transparency measures: Show how LASHMA publishes enrolment data, claim processing times, and facility performance metrics.
Featuring independent oversight: Interview representatives from civil society organisations or health watchdogs monitoring ILERA EKO’s implementation.
Showcasing success stories: Feature Lagosians who have received timely, high-quality care under the scheme.

Trust is built through consistency and accountability. Journalists can help by keeping the government’s feet to the fire.

Best Practices for Journalists Covering ILERA EKO

To ensure accurate, impactful coverage, journalists should adopt a few guiding principles:

1. Prioritise Accuracy Over Speed

In the rush to break news, misinformation can spread quickly. Journalists must verify facts before publishing—especially when reporting on premiums, benefits, or enforcement timelines. A single error can erode public trust in both the media and the scheme.

Always cross-check information with official LASHMA sources or accredited health facilities. If in doubt, consult a health policy expert or fact-checking organisation.

2. Use Multiple Formats and Channels

Different audiences consume news in different ways. A one-size-fits-all approach won’t work. Consider the following:

Radio and TV: Ideal for reaching rural and peri-urban communities. Partner with local stations to air jingles, interviews, and panel discussions.
Print and online: Publish in-depth features, Q&A sessions with LASHMA officials, and data-driven explainers.
Social media: Use Twitter (X) for real-time updates, Instagram for visual storytelling, and WhatsApp for community engagement.
Community engagement: Host town hall meetings or live Q&A sessions with LASHMA representatives.

Diversity in content delivery ensures that no group is left behind.

3. Collaborate with Health Experts and Civil Society

Journalists don’t need to be health experts—but they should have access to them. Partner with doctors, nurses, public health researchers, and NGOs like the Nigeria Health Watch or the Centre for Health Equity and Development (CHED) to provide context and analysis.

These organisations can help journalists interpret policy documents, identify gaps in implementation, and connect them with communities for firsthand accounts.

4. Focus on Solutions, Not Just Problems

While investigative journalism is crucial, it’s equally important to highlight solutions. When a problem is identified—such as long wait times at a facility—follow up with a story on how LASHMA is addressing it. This shows the public that the system is responsive and that enrolment is worthwhile.

For example, if a journalist reports on a hospital struggling with staff shortages, they can also interview the hospital management about plans to hire more personnel or deploy mobile clinics.

What’s Next? Enforcement and Beyond

As Lagos State prepares to fully enforce ILERA EKO in early 2027, the pressure is on to boost enrolment. But the work doesn’t end there. Long-term success requires:

Sustained Media Engagement

ILERA EKO is not a one-off campaign—it’s a continuous process. Journalists must keep the topic alive in public discourse through regular updates, features, and investigations. This includes:

Monthly progress reports on enrolment rates.
Seasonal health campaigns (e.g., malaria prevention, maternal health) tied to ILERA EKO benefits.
Annual reviews of the scheme’s impact on healthcare access and financial protection.

Advocacy for Policy Improvements

Journalists can also advocate for enhancements to ILERA EKO by:

Pushing for expanded coverage of mental health services.
Demanding faster claim processing and digital integration across facilities.
Calling for increased funding to subsidise premiums for more low-income earners.

By giving voice to residents’ concerns, journalists can influence policy decisions and ensure that ILERA EKO evolves to meet the needs of all Lagosians.

Regional Lessons: What Other African Cities Can Learn

Lagos is not alone in its quest for universal health coverage. Across Africa, countries like Ghana (with its National Health Insurance Scheme), Kenya (with the Linda Mama programme), and Rwanda (with its community-based health insurance) have made strides in expanding coverage. Journalists in these countries can draw lessons from Lagos’s approach:

Ghana: Media campaigns played a pivotal role in increasing enrolment, but misinformation about benefits and exemptions persists. Journalists there continue to focus on clarifying policies.
Kenya: Investigative journalism exposed corruption in health funds, leading to reforms. Kenyan journalists now monitor disbursements and facility performance closely.
Rwanda: The use of community health workers to educate the public has been highly effective. Journalists can partner with these workers to reach remote areas.

For journalists in other African cities, ILERA EKO serves as a case study in how media engagement can accelerate health policy success.

Your Action Plan: 10 Steps to Boost ILERA EKO Uptake Through Journalism

Ready to make a difference? Here’s a practical checklist for journalists covering ILERA EKO:

Attend LASHMA’s next capacity-building workshop: Gain deeper insights into the scheme’s structure, benefits, and challenges.
Identify your audience: Who are you trying to reach? Tailor your content to their needs and preferred platforms.
Develop a content calendar: Plan a mix of explainers, features, interviews, and investigations over the next 6 months.
Partner with local influencers: Work with community leaders, religious figures, and social media personalities to amplify your message.
Produce a special series: Launch a weekly or monthly series on ILERA EKO, featuring success stories, myth-busting, and policy analysis.
Set up a feedback channel: Use WhatsApp, Twitter, or a dedicated email to collect questions and complaints from residents.
Collaborate with healthcare workers: Interview doctors, nurses, and pharmacists about their experiences with ILERA EKO.
Monitor enforcement timelines: Stay updated on when penalties for non-enrolment take effect—and remind your audience.
Publish a data-driven explainer: Use LASHMA’s enrolment data to identify gaps and highlight areas with low participation.
Host a community forum: Organise a live Q&A session with LASHMA officials, health experts, and residents.

Frequently Asked Questions About ILERA EKO Health Insurance

What is ILERA EKO health insurance?

ILERA EKO is the Lagos State Health Management Agency’s (LASHMA) mandatory health insurance scheme designed to provide affordable, accessible healthcare to all residents. It covers a wide range of services, including consultations, surgeries, maternity care, and emergency treatment.

Who is required to enrol in ILERA EKO?

All Lagos residents—including informal sector workers, artisans, traders, professionals, and students—are required to enrol. The scheme is mandatory, and enforcement will begin in early 2027.

How much does ILERA EKO cost?

Premiums are based on income. For example, low-income earners pay as little as ₦12,000 per year, while higher earners may pay up to ₦120,000. Vulnerable groups, including the elderly and people with disabilities, receive premium waivers.

How do I enrol in ILERA EKO?

You can enrol online via the LASHMA website, through mobile money platforms, at designated enrolment centres, or via accredited agents. The process typically takes less than 15 minutes.

What documents do I need to enrol?

You’ll need a valid means of identification (e.g., National ID, voter’s card, or driver’s licence), proof of Lagos residency (e.g., utility bill or tenancy agreement), and a recent passport photograph. Children can be enrolled using their parents’ or guardians’ details.

Can I use my ILERA EKO card at any hospital?

No. ILERA EKO cards are only valid at accredited public and private health facilities. LASHMA provides a list of accredited hospitals on its website and through its mobile app.

What should I do if my claim is rejected?

First, verify that the service is covered under ILERA EKO. If it is, contact the hospital’s ILERA EKO desk or LASHMA’s customer service line to lodge a complaint. You can also report the issue to a journalist or civil society organisation for further investigation.

Is ILERA EKO available in other states?

ILERA EKO is specific to Lagos State. However, other Nigerian states have their own health insurance schemes. For example, Kwara State has the Kwara State Health Insurance Agency (KWSHIA), and Ekiti State has the Ekiti State Health Insurance Scheme (EKSHIS).

How can I verify if a hospital is accredited under ILERA EKO?

Visit the LASHMA website (www.lashma.lagosstate.gov.ng) or download the LASHMA mobile app. You can search for accredited facilities by name, location, or service type.

Conclusion: The Power of the Pen in Building a Healthier Lagos

The journey to universal health coverage in Lagos is not just a government project—it is a collective effort that requires the active participation of every stakeholder, including the media. Journalists have a unique opportunity to shape public perception, hold the system accountable, and drive enrolment in ILERA EKO. By telling compelling stories, addressing misconceptions, and providing practical guidance, they can transform ILERA EKO from a policy into a lifeline for millions.

As Lagos prepares for full enforcement in 2027, the media’s role becomes even more critical. The question is not whether ILERA EKO will succeed—but how effectively journalists can help it reach every corner of the state. The time to act is now.

For journalists, this is more than a story. It’s a chance to save lives, reduce suffering, and build a healthier, more equitable Lagos for all.

Join the Conversation: Share Your ILERA EKO Story

Have you enrolled in ILERA EKO? Are you a journalist covering the scheme? We want to hear from you. Share your experiences, challenges, and success stories with us at [contact email]. Let’s amplify the voices of Lagosians and ensure that no one is left behind in the journey toward better health for all.

This article is based on reporting from the LASHMA capacity-building workshop held in August 2026. For official updates and enrolment details, visit the LASHMA website.

ByEditorial Team