The Lagos State Government has announced a groundbreaking healthcare initiative designed to make quality medical services more accessible and affordable for its millions of residents. This innovative approach represents a significant shift in how healthcare will be funded and delivered across Nigeria's most populous state.
A New Era for Healthcare Financing
Health Commissioner Prof. Akin Abayomi officially unveiled the new hybrid health financing model on November 20, 2025, marking what he described as a major milestone in the state's health sector transformation. The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Lagos Private Health Partnership (LPHP), creating a strategic alliance between public resources and private sector innovation.
During the announcement, Prof. Abayomi emphasized that every Lagosian deserves access to quality healthcare without facing financial hardship. "The intervention from this partnership is the foundation upon which we build our lives, our families and our prosperity," he stated. "It is part of our determined journey to ensure that quality healthcare is not a privilege for a few, but a certainty for all."
How the Hybrid Model Works
Contrary to initial assumptions, the LPHP is not a new insurance scheme. Rather, it functions as a strategic platform that brings together multiple stakeholders:
- Government health agencies
- Private healthcare providers
- Investors and financial institutions
Mr Tosin Awosika, representing the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), provided crucial details about the model's ambitious targets during a panel session. He projected that within five years, the partnership could achieve remarkable outcomes:
- 70% health insurance coverage across Lagos State
- 40% reduction in catastrophic health spending
- Improved health sector contribution to the state's GDP
The hybrid approach merges public oversight with private sector agility, creating a unified data-driven financing structure that promises to strengthen investor confidence while expanding coverage and emergency care services.
Government Commitment and Public Participation
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Mrs Abimbola Salaudeen, encouraged organizations and businesses across Lagos to enroll their staff in the existing Ilera Eko insurance scheme. This move would allow more residents to benefit from the reforms driven by the new financing model.
"We are working toward a Lagos where healthcare is accessible, affordable and reliable for everyone," she affirmed. "Our goal is to build a future where no resident has to worry about meeting basic healthcare needs."
The hybrid financing model represents another strategic step in Lagos State's broader health reform agenda, specifically targeting:
- Improved service delivery across healthcare facilities
- Expanded insurance coverage to underserved communities
- Reduced financial barriers for low- and middle-income households
This initiative positions Lagos as a pioneer in healthcare innovation, potentially creating a blueprint that other Nigerian states might follow in the future.
