The Lagos State Government has introduced two new diaspora-focused health insurance plans aimed at Nigerians living abroad and visitors coming into the state, in a move designed to deepen access to healthcare and advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The new plans—Ilera-Eko Waka-Well and Ilera-Eko Home Konnect—were unveiled by the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) during its 2025 Fourth Quarter Media Parley held in Alausa.
Stakeholders at the event described the initiative as a major milestone in strengthening health financing, protecting residents and visitors, and extending the reach of the Lagos State Health Scheme (LSHS) beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Why the New Diaspora Health Insurance Plans Matter
Speaking at the parley, LASHMA Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, explained that the new insurance packages were developed in response to growing demand from Nigerians in the diaspora and increased travel into Lagos.
According to her, the plans align with Lagos State’s mandatory health insurance policy and reflect the government’s commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind, regardless of location.
She also noted that the launch coincides with Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day, reinforcing Lagos’ long-term vision of accessible healthcare for all.
Strengthening Transparency Through Media Engagement
Dr. Zamba highlighted that LASHMA introduced quarterly media parleys in March 2025 to enhance transparency and keep residents informed about reforms, innovations, and achievements under the state health insurance scheme.
Since its launch, the platform has become a trusted channel for public engagement and accountability.
Building on Past Innovations
LASHMA has continued to roll out innovative solutions to boost enrolment and service delivery. These include:
- Ilera-N’tiwa Cooperative
- Ilera-Eko Academy
- Telemedicine services
- Ilera-Eko Spotlight Online Radio, Nigeria’s first health insurance radio platform
These initiatives have helped strengthen healthcare access for millions of Lagos residents.
Private Sector Partnerships Drive Diaspora Plans
To ensure global reach and sustainability, LASHMA partnered with Pinnacle Global Business Services, Nomad Doc Limited, and Mrs. Taiwo Salvador to market the new diaspora packages locally and internationally.
Dr. Zamba explained that splitting the diaspora offering into two tailored plans allows the Agency to better meet the needs of travellers, tourists, and families living abroad.
Ilera-Eko Remains Affordable
Also speaking, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, described Ilera-Eko as one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Nigeria.
He noted that a family of six can enjoy full healthcare coverage for as low as ₦180–₦220 per day, making it cheaper than many over-the-counter medications.
He urged residents and the media to increase awareness, stressing that the scheme has already improved maternal health outcomes across several communities.
Mandatory Enrolment for Lagos Residents
Mr. Bajulaiye reminded residents that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Executive Order makes health insurance enrolment mandatory for all Lagosians. He added that healthcare services are now easily accessible through an extensive network of accredited providers statewide.
Diaspora Office Applauds Innovation
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Diaspora and Foreign Relations, Mr. Jermaine Sanwo-Olu, praised LASHMA’s innovation, describing the new plans as groundbreaking within Africa’s health insurance ecosystem.
He said Nigerians across the globe have welcomed the Waka-Well and Home Konnect plans, which address long-standing gaps in diaspora healthcare support.
Waka-Well Plan: Designed for Travellers and Tourists
The Ilera-Eko Waka-Well plan targets Nigerians and visitors returning to Lagos, especially during festive periods like “Detty December.”
The plan provides coverage for:
- Malaria, typhoid, and diarrhoea
- Diagnostics and emergency care
- Telemedicine services
- Dental and eye care
- Local ambulance evacuation
Pricing:
- ₦45,000 for 90 days
- ₦75,000 for extended stays or multiple trips
Target beneficiaries include tourists, researchers, charity workers, sports teams, cultural groups, and other short-term visitors.
Home Konnect Plan: A Lifeline for Families Abroad
The Ilera-Eko Home Konnect plan allows Nigerians abroad to pay premiums seamlessly for their families in Lagos.
Coverage includes:
- General and specialist consultations
- Chronic disease management
- Surgeries and blood transfusions
- Maternal and newborn care
- Physiotherapy
- Annual wellness screenings
With over 20 million Nigerians living abroad, the plan is expected to reduce unsustainable medical remittances and ensure continuity of care for families back home.
Partners Commend LASHMA’s Vision
CEO of Pinnacle Global Business Services, Mr. Akande Ojo, praised Lagos’ health reforms and pledged strong international promotion of the diaspora plans.
Similarly, Board Chairman of Nomad Doc Limited, Dr. Elizabeth Onifade, said the initiative would improve health outcomes and reduce financial pressure on families, committing her organisation’s full support.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The launch marked LASHMA’s final media parley of 2025, with the Agency expressing optimism for 2026. Dr. Zamba reaffirmed LASHMA’s commitment to expanding enrolment, strengthening youth participation, and delivering accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare for all Lagos residents.