Lagos Unveils Diaspora Health Insurance For Tourists, Returning Nigerians

Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has introduced two health insurance packages aimed at Nigerians abroad and visitors entering the state, marking a significant expansion of its Ilera-Eko diaspora offerings.

The event took place yesterday at the agency’s 2025 fourth quarter media parley in Alausa, Lagos.
Speaking during the engagement, the permanent secretary of LASHMA, Dr Emmanuella Zamba, said the plans, Ilera-Eko Waka-Well and Ilera-Eko Home Konnect, were designed to meet the rising demand from diasporans and the growing need to protect residents and visitors under the state’s mandatory health insurance framework.

She said the introduction of the plans aligns with the spirit of UHC Day, which is held in three days, and reflects the agency’s commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind.

Zamba recalled that LASHMA launched its quarterly media parleys in March 2025 to enhance transparency and improve the public’s understanding of the agency’s reforms. She noted that the platform has since become one of the most reliable avenues for keeping Lagos residents updated on new policies, innovations, and significant achievements under the Lagos State Health Scheme (LSHS).

Highlighting innovations previously rolled out by the Agency, she listed the Ilera-N’tiwa Cooperative, Ilera-Eko Academy, telemedicine services and the Ilera-Eko Spotlight Online Radio; Nigeria’s first health insurance radio platform.

She emphasised that LASHMA continues to lead with solutions that improve enrollment uptake and strengthen service delivery for millions of Lagos residents.

On the new diaspora plans, Dr Zamba explained that LASHMA partnered with private-sector players, Pinnacle Global Business Services, Nomad Doc Limited and Mrs Taiwo Salvador, to market the products locally and internationally.

She said the agency’s rebranding of the diaspora package into two distinct plans would better serve travellers, diasporans and families living abroad who want sustainable health coverage for loved ones in Lagos.

Zamba further assured residents that earlier policy adjustments regulating maternal and surgical services have started yielding positive results.

In his remarks, Mr Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Strategy, described Ilera-Eko as the most affordable health package available to Lagos residents.

He illustrated the cost-effectiveness of the plan, noting that a family of six could enjoy full health coverage for just about N180 to N220 per day, less than the cost of a sachet of paracetamol.