LAGOS — The Lagos State Government has raised its Equity Fund for vulnerable residents under the state’s mandatory health insurance programme from ₦1 billion to ₦3 billion, while calling on journalists to intensify public enlightenment about the scheme.

The Lagos State Health Management Agency said the increase was designed to help extend health insurance coverage to residents who may not be able to afford the required premium.

The Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr Emmanuella Zamba, made the disclosure during a capacity-building programme organised for journalists covering health and related issues.

She said one per cent of the state’s Consolidated Revenue Fund had been earmarked for the Equity Fund and that the allocation had been increased to ₦3 billion and approved as a one-line charge.

The fund is intended to provide health insurance support for vulnerable and indigent residents, allowing people who cannot afford the cost of insurance to receive coverage through a government-backed mechanism.

The move comes as Lagos continues its implementation of Ilera Eko, the state’s social health insurance programme.

Health insurance became mandatory for Lagos residents following an Executive Order signed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in July 2024. LASHMA has since been working to increase enrolment while preparing for broader enforcement.

Zamba said the success of the policy would depend significantly on how well residents understand the programme.

She therefore called on journalists to move beyond simply reporting government announcements and take an active role in explaining the scheme to the public.

According to her, journalists can help residents understand what Ilera Eko offers, how enrolment works, what services are covered and how complaints can be addressed.

She also urged the media to challenge misinformation and report gaps in the implementation of the programme.

LASHMA believes accurate reporting can improve public confidence and encourage more residents to participate in the insurance scheme.

The agency has already begun investing in media capacity building.

It said 56 journalists were trained during the first phase of its media initiative in February 2026, with an additional group receiving training during the latest programme.

The training programme covered the Lagos State Health Scheme Law, the National Health Insurance Authority Act, the Ilera Eko customer journey and benefits package, service delivery, grievance procedures and enrollee rights.

The state government has also enrolled its public servants under Ilera Eko, with the government paying 75 per cent of the annual premium while workers contribute the remaining 25 per cent.

Lagos officials say the ultimate objective is to move the state closer to universal health coverage and reduce the financial shock that illness can impose on households.

The N3 billion Equity Fund is expected to strengthen that effort by providing a dedicated source of support for residents who would otherwise struggle to obtain insurance.

For LASHMA, however, funding alone will not be sufficient.

The agency says public understanding, trust and participation are equally important to ensuring that the health insurance system achieves its intended purpose.