By Juliet Umeh
In a major step toward digitally inclusive healthcare, the Lagos State Health Management Agency, LASHMA, has unveiled a technology-driven cooperative model designed to make health insurance accessible to every Lagosian, particularly those in the informal sector.
Through its new ILERA N’ TIWA Cooperative and Multipurpose Society Ltd, the Agency is integrating fintech innovation with healthcare financing to help residents “pay small-small” for their ILERA EKO Health Insurance Scheme premiums — while also gaining access to savings, loans, and social welfare benefits.
The initiative, which was presented during a strategic engagement session with Community Development Council, CDC, chairmen across Lagos State, signals a shift toward leveraging technology and cooperative structures to achieve universal health coverage, UHC.
Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, said the initiative demonstrates how health technology and financial inclusion can work hand in hand to bridge the access gap for low-income earners.
“Through this cooperative model, residents can make micro-contributions toward their ILERA EKO premiums without financial pressure,” she said. “It is a system designed for inclusivity, one that uses technology to track payments, empower communities, and expand healthcare reach.”
She explained that the model was conceived to promote flexible health payments and reduce the burden of out-of-pocket spending, which remains a major barrier to healthcare access in Nigeria.
Rotimi Olatunji, Head of Business Development and Marketing at LASHMA, highlighted the cooperative’s dual focus on health and financial empowerment.
He said, “Beyond healthcare, we’re creating a social safety net. Members can access low-interest loans, food bank support, and dividends from savings. With as little as N1,000 registration and N4,500 monthly contributions, individuals can enjoy a full year of coverage and access to welfare benefits.”
According to him, the ILERA N’ TIWA platform also integrates digital tracking tools, enabling members to monitor their contributions, loan eligibility, and insurance status seamlessly. This, he said, helps ensure transparency and efficiency while encouraging trust and sustained participation.
The Standard Jaara Health Plan — one of ILERA EKO’s flagship packages — was spotlighted during the engagement as a people-centered, technology-backed plan providing access to telemedicine, outpatient care, maternal health, chronic disease management, and surgical services.
Mrs. Bunmi Peters, LASHMA’s Emergency Care Officer, explained that telemedicine plays a pivotal role in expanding access.
“Through our Virtual Health Booths (V-Booths) across communities, residents can consult doctors remotely, check their vitals, and receive guidance without leaving their neighborhoods,” she said. “Technology is breaking the distance barrier in healthcare delivery.”
CDC chairmen in attendance commended the innovation. Mr. Amusat Azeez, Chairman of the Lagos State Community Development Advisory Council, called it a “digital lifeline” for grassroots households.
“For the first time, our people can join a cooperative that supports both their health and livelihood. This model makes healthcare affordable while promoting economic empowerment,” he said.
The cooperative, launched in December 2024, has already recorded over 1,000 enrollments, reflecting growing community acceptance of hybrid health-finance systems.
With Lagos State moving toward mandatory health coverage, the ILERA N’ TIWA Cooperative stands out as a model for sustainable health financing — merging community structure, digital payments, and inclusive innovation to make quality healthcare a reality for all.
“Our ultimate goal,” Dr. Zamba emphasized, “is to ensure no Lagosian is left behind — financially, digitally, or medically.”
