The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has launched two new health insurance plans specifically designed for diasporans and visitors, marking a significant expansion of the Ilera-Eko diaspora scheme.
Eko Hot News reports that the plans, Ilera-Eko Waka-Well and Ilera-Eko Home Konnect, were unveiled at the Agency’s 2025 Fourth Quarter Media Parley in Alausa. Stakeholders at the event described the initiative as a significant step toward deepening access and strengthening health financing in Lagos.
Dr Emmanuella Zamba, Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, stated that the products were developed in response to the rising demand from Nigerians abroad and visitors seeking structured coverage under the state’s mandatory health insurance system.
She noted that the unveiling aligns with the spirit of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day and reinforces the Agency’s commitment to ensuring inclusive and equitable healthcare access for all residents.
Dr. Zamba highlighted previous innovations such as Ilera-N’tiwa Cooperative, Ilera-Eko Academy, telemedicine services and the Ilera-Eko Spotlight Online Radio, describing them as solutions that continue to drive enrolment and improve service delivery.
She added that LASHMA partnered with Pinnacle Global Business Services, Nomad Doc Limited and Mrs. Taiwo Salvador to market the new diaspora plans locally and internationally.
Dr. Zamba also assured residents that recent policy adjustments on maternal and surgical services have improved system efficiency without reducing the benefits available under the social health insurance package.
In his remarks, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, described Ilera-Eko as the most affordable health package in Lagos, noting that a family of six can access full coverage for less than the cost of a daily sachet of paracetamol.
He urged media practitioners to intensify public sensitisation, stressing that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Executive Order has made enrolment into the scheme mandatory for all residents.
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Diaspora and Foreign Relations, Mr. Jermaine Sanwo-Olu, commended LASHMA for what he called a groundbreaking contribution to Africa’s health insurance ecosystem.
He explained that the Waka-Well plan is tailored for travellers and returning diasporans during festive seasons, providing reliable and immediate healthcare support.
He added that the Home Konnect plan offers sustainable coverage for loved ones in Lagos and addresses long-standing challenges associated with irregular medical remittances from abroad.
LASHMA’s Head of Business Development, Mr. Rotimi Olatunji, noted that Waka-Well covers common travel-related illnesses, diagnostics, emergency services, telemedicine and evacuation, with premiums starting at ₦45,000 for a 90-day stay.
He said the Home Konnect plan includes specialist care, chronic disease management, surgeries, maternal services and annual health screenings, targeting over 20 million Nigerians abroad.
Representatives of partner organisations, including Pinnacle Global and Nomad Doc, pledged full support to promote the plans globally and deepen access to quality healthcare.
Media professionals also engaged LASHMA on implementation details, premium structures and provider networks. The Agency promised journalists comprehensive documentation to aid wider public awareness.
Closing the 2025 media parley, Dr. Zamba thanked journalists, partners and enrollees for their support throughout the year, reaffirming LASHMA’s commitment to expanding affordable and accessible healthcare in 2026.
