...As New Initiative Aims to Empower Lagos’ Informal Sector and Expand Health Insurance Access
By Husain Legbo Husain
In a major step toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), the Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), has launched the Ilera N’ Tiwa Cooperative and Multipurpose Society Ltd. This new initiative aims to provide financial inclusion for Lagos residents, particularly in the informal sector, under the Ilera Eko health insurance scheme.
According to a press release signed by the Director, Public Affairs, Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, it states that the Ilera N’ Tiwa Cooperative, part of LASHMA’s Ilera Eko Cooperative and Multipurpose Society (IECMS), seeks to address key challenges like low purchasing power, expired health insurance plans, and limited access to quality care. During the launch event, LASHMA Board Chairman Dr. Bayo Adedewe emphasized the cooperative’s role in breaking down financial barriers to healthcare. He highlighted its flexible premium payments, alongside added economic benefits such as loans and discounted food, all aimed at promoting a culture of wellness while improving healthcare access across the state.
Dr. Bayo Adedewe, Board Chairman of the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), described the Ilera N’ Tiwa Cooperative as a “child of necessity,” underscoring its alignment with both the Lagos State Health Scheme (LSHS) law and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act, which mandates social health insurance for all residents. He explained that the initiative not only focuses on healthcare but also integrates social and economic benefits, offering a platform for financial support, entrepreneurship, and improved lifestyles for its members.
Emphasizing the cooperative’s commitment to affordable, accessible, and sustainable healthcare, Dr. Adedewe highlighted its slogan, “Health First,” as a reflection of its core mission. He encouraged Lagosians to embrace the initiative, confident that it would provide a voluntary and replicable model for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Lagos and beyond.
Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, praised the innovative nature of the Ilera N’ Tiwa Cooperative, particularly its focus on financial inclusion. She explained that many in the informal sector face challenges in enrolling for health insurance due to a lack of bank accounts. To address this, the cooperative partners with microfinance banks to offer flexible installment payments, making health coverage more accessible. Additionally, it provides members with benefits such as wellness programs and discounted food options.
Dr. Zamba expressed confidence that the initiative would successfully integrate the informal sector into the health insurance system, paving the way for greater access to quality healthcare for all Lagosians.
In a comprehensive presentation, LASHMA’s Head of Business Development, Mr. Rotimi Olatunji, outlined key challenges that led to the creation of the Ilera N’ Tiwa Cooperative, including solvency issues, benefit expansion, and declining enrollment. He emphasized that the cooperative aims to offer flexible premium payments, create wealth-building opportunities, and ensure compliance with mandatory health insurance laws. Olatunji also revealed the establishment of independent steering and advisory committees to oversee operations and raise awareness among potential members.
The initiative received strong support from key government ministries. Dr. Olugbemi Aina, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, praised the program as a blueprint for economic empowerment. Representing Dr. Aina, Mrs. Ayotunde Abiodun declared, “This initiative will uplift lives and set a precedent for other states to follow.”
Dr. Biodun Onayele, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, highlighted the cooperative’s crucial role in formalizing the informal sector. Mrs. Taiwo Abiose, who represented Dr. Onayele, stressed that enrollment in the Ilera N’ Tiwa scheme would soon be a requirement for accessing the ministry’s programs in the coming year.
Veteran Nollywood actor, Dr. Adebayo Salami, also lent his support, praising the cooperative’s potential to improve lives. “This program makes health insurance both accessible and affordable for everyone,” he remarked. Sharing his own experience as an Ilera Eko beneficiary, Salami encouraged Lagosians to seize the opportunity and join the initiative for better health coverage.
Beneficiaries from diverse sectors shared their positive experiences with the program. Engr. Gbolahan Akinsanya, President of the Electronics Technicians Association of Nigeria, called Ilera Eko “perfect” and encouraged others to join. Princess Aderonke Adedeji, President of the Restaurant and Bar Association Lagos Chapter, expressed excitement about the cooperative’s new benefits, particularly the Jara package, which she looks forward to exploring.
The event reached its climax with the unveiling of the Ilera N’ Tiwa Cooperative logo, followed by the presentation of letters to steering committee members. These ceremonial moments marked the official launch of a transformative initiative designed to enhance both health and economic outcomes for Lagos residents.
Conclusively, Lagos State is solidifying its role as a pioneer in innovative health financing with the launch of the Ilera N’ Tiwa Cooperative. This initiative exemplifies the state’s commitment to forward-thinking policies and collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing healthcare access. For Lagos residents, the message is clear: investing in health is essential to overall prosperity, and Ilera N’ Tiwa serves as the gateway to a healthier, more secure future.
