posted 1st April 2025
Lagos Politician Criticises Governor’s Health Insurance Scheme, Proposes Fairer Alternative
Lagos, Nigeria – Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, a prominent Lagos politician and public figure, has publicly challenged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s recent Executive Order mandating a ₦15,000 monthly contribution from every Lagos resident towards a Social Health Insurance Scheme. In a detailed statement shared on X on 1 April 2025, Rhodes-Vivour acknowledged the intent behind achieving universal health coverage but argued that the flat-rate policy is disconnected from the economic realities faced by most Lagosians.
Rhodes-Vivour highlighted the disproportionate burden the ₦15,000 contribution places on low-income earners. For those on the minimum wage, he noted, this amount equates to nearly 20% of their monthly income, describing it as an “unsustainable burden” that could deepen economic hardship. In contrast, he pointed out that the same flat rate is a negligible expense for middle- and upper-income earners, rendering the system “inherently regressive.”
As an alternative, Rhodes-Vivour proposed a proportional contribution of 5% of monthly income, which he argued would distribute the financial responsibility more fairly across different income brackets while ensuring the scheme remains adequately funded. “This approach would be more equitable and sustainable,” he stated.
However, Rhodes-Vivour stressed that funding alone is not enough without addressing the state’s crumbling healthcare infrastructure. Citing a recent statement from the Lagos State Commissioner of Health, he noted that Lagos faces a shortage of 30,000 doctors—a crisis that must be tackled before enforcing such a scheme. He also referenced a 2016 report, suggesting conditions have likely worsened since, which revealed stark healthcare disparities: one general medical doctor for every 5,014 people, one specialist for every 2,942 people, one nurse for every 2,165 people, and one midwife for every 5,117 people. These figures fall far short of the World Health Organisation’s recommended doctor-to-population ratio of 1:600.
Rhodes-Vivour accused the Sanwo-Olu administration of neglecting public health, pointing to the 2024 state budget, which allocated just 6.75% to healthcare—well below the 15% recommended by the 2014 Abuja Declaration. He argued that without significant investment in recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals through better pay and career opportunities, alongside upgrades to medical facilities and equipment, the insurance scheme risks becoming “merely another financial burden” on residents without delivering meaningful improvements.
Calling for a rethink, Rhodes-Vivour urged the Governor to suspend the Executive Order and engage in dialogue with healthcare professionals, economic experts, and community representatives. “True healthcare reform requires both sustainable funding mechanisms and robust healthcare delivery systems,” he said. “We must resist the urge to place the cart before the horse.”
The statement has sparked debate online, with many Lagosians weighing in on the feasibility of both the Governor’s plan and Rhodes-Vivour’s counterproposal. As pressure mounts, all eyes are on Governor Sanwo-Olu to respond to these concerns and outline the next steps for healthcare reform in Nigeria’s economic hub.
