By Michael Omotosho |
The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has cemented its leadership position in Nigeria’s healthcare sector by clinching the State Government Health Insurance of the Year Award at the 2026 Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Awards (NHEA). The milestone achievement marks the third time the Agency is receiving national recognition for its outstanding health insurance service delivery.
The prestigious event, themed “Innovation, Local Manufacturing, and Digital Transformation in Healthcare,” was held at the EKO Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. It brought together top health stakeholders, policymakers, and industry pioneers to celebrate excellence and resilience within the Nigerian healthcare space.
Recognizing Healthcare Resilience and Innovation
Speaking during his welcome address, the Chairman of the NHEA Advisory Board, Dr. Anthony Omolola, stated that the awards platform, established in 2014, remains dedicated to honoring remarkable individuals and organizations strengthening the nation’s health systems despite macroeconomic challenges. He noted that the highly competitive selection process relies heavily on public voting, independent research, and rigorous evaluation.
“Every nomination is based on credibility. Healthcare is no longer the way it used to be several years ago because it is now driven by ideas, partnership, artificial intelligence (AI), local production of devices, and sustainable financing. These are the resilient blocks driving healthcare services today,” stated Dr. Anthony Omolola, Chairman, NHEA Advisory Board.
A Call for Continued Innovation Toward Universal Coverage
While presenting the award to the leadership of LASHMA, the former Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Femi Olugbile, commended the agency for emerging victorious from a highly competitive pool of five state nominees. He urged LASHMA to use the recognition as a catalyst to push for bolder, tech-driven healthcare solutions.
“With this award, LASHMA should intensify its efforts in ensuring that more innovations which could accelerate achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) which is the dream of the Lagos State Government—are developed. More work is required from the Agency in ensuring that Lagos residents have unhindered access to affordable, quality, and equitable healthcare services,” noted Dr. Femi Olugbile, Former Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health.
LASHMA Reaffirms Commitment to Affordable Healthcare
Receiving the award on behalf of the state, the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, expressed deep appreciation to the NHEA organizers for validating the agency’s structured efforts to expand healthcare access. She attributed the victory to the unwavering political will of the state leadership and the collaborative spirit of Lagosians.
“We applaud the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, Honourable members in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Local Government Chairmen, partners, philanthropists, and other stakeholders for supporting LASHMA in achieving this feat. LASHMA will do its best to ensure that residents in the State have access to affordable, quality, and equitable healthcare services irrespective of their socio-economic status,” she stated.
This 2026 triumph solidifies LASHMA’s consistent performance track record, following its previous award victories in 2023 and a shared top spot with Katsina State in 2025.
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