Lagos unveils Ilera N’ Tiwa cooperative to boost health insurance access

After recently making it mandatory for Lagos residents to register under the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) health insurance scheme (LSHS), the state has launched the Ilera N’ Tiwa Cooperative and Multipurpose Society Ltd.

The initiative is aimed at improving health insurance access for residents, particularly those in the informal sector.

The programme, developed by the LASHMA under its Ilera Eko health insurance scheme, seeks to address financial barriers to healthcare, advancing the state’s goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Speaking at the launch, LASHMA Board Chairman, Dr Bayo Adedewe, described the cooperative as a “child of necessity” designed to address challenges such as low purchasing power and lapsed health insurance policies.

“The initiative allows members to pay premiums flexibly while providing additional economic benefits, including loans and discounted food supplies,” he explained. “It is a strategic response to making healthcare affordable and fostering a culture of wellness.”

Adedewe noted that the cooperative aligns with the LSHS Law and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act, which mandate social health insurance for all residents.

“The cooperative prioritises health while offering financial and lifestyle benefits, creating a platform for entrepreneurship and improved well-being,” he added.

With the slogan “Health First,” the initiative emphasises its commitment to accessible and sustainable healthcare.

Adedewe encouraged Lagos residents to embrace the programme, which he said serves as a model for voluntary enrolment in health schemes.

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Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr Emmanuella Zamba, highlighted the cooperative’s focus on financial inclusion, particularly for the informal sector.

“Many in the informal sector lack bank accounts, making health insurance enrolment difficult,” she explained. The cooperative bridges this gap by enabling instalment payments through microfinance partnerships and offering benefits such as wellness programmes and reduced food costs.

LASHMA’s Head of Business Development, Mr Rotimi Olatunji, outlined the cooperative’s goals, including flexible premium payments, wealth creation opportunities, and compliance with mandatory health insurance laws.

He also announced the establishment of independent steering and advisory committees to oversee operations and raise awareness.

Key stakeholders from various ministries lent their support to the initiative. Dr Olugbemi Aina, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, commended the programme as a model for economic empowerment.

“This initiative will improve lives and set a benchmark for other states to follow,” said Mrs Ayotunde Abiodun, who represented Aina at the event.