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Brokers Fret over Proposed Insurance Law on Capital

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The stronghold of insurance brokers over the underwriting arm appears threatened, going by the content of the proposed law on insurance practice, which seeks to question the independence status which they have had over time.  On the remote side, insurers have made spirited attempts to bring them under control without success. One area that has raised dusts between the two arms is the issue of ‘no premium, no cover’
Industry watchers believe that the greatest threat coming the way of brokers is the proposal of the Prof. Joe  Irukwu – led committee on the review of insurance laws in Nigeria.
The recommendation which has reportedly been submitted to the federal government, is seeking to raise the minimum capital base of insurance brokers at N400million as against the current N10million. According to Mr. .Edward Okusor, chief executive officer of Afromart brokers “this development, if allowed to succeed, would impact negatively on the professional standard of the brokerage arm. He added that the N10million capital requirement has not been easy for the brokers, therefore raising it at this astronomical level would definitely compound the operational environment” He explained that brokers control over 70 percent of the insurance volume of business. Any thing that affects it negatively would certainly cause sweeping effects in the entire industry. For managing director of Best Deal insurance brokers, Mr. Adewunmi Adewole, rather than formulating laws that would threaten the brokerage arm, government should think of enhancing by empowering it just the way it did to the pension industry with the establishment of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM)
It was gathered that in addition to the recommendation to increase the capital base, the laws that grant sovereignty to the brokers would also be reviewed. Commenting on the issue, Prof.Irukwu disclosed that the present insurance laws which has separate framework for some operators may be consolidated into single framework legislation. The implication of this is that a central body may emerge which would break the monopoly of the National Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), as presently constituted.
Already, the proposal has been causing unease within the camp of insurance brokers. Reacting to the proposal, President of the council, Mr. Teslim Sanusi said insurance brokerage does not require the kind of regulations being proposed. He said the arm is similar to other professions like law and advertising among others and they do not require any minimum capital requirement to operate.
The NCRIB boss threatened that the council would oppose any law aimed at destabilizing the oneness of purpose of brokers. He added that such move would be counter productive. Sanusi stressed that the proposed law as it stands now, also seeks to make membership of the council voluntary as against the provisions of the Insurance Act 2003 which makes it compulsory.
Irukwu had earlier explained that the proposed law made provisions for the entrenchment of corporate governance in the profession as well as provisions for dealing with insurance fraud, especially in the area of ‘whistle- blowing.
It would be recalled that insurers in the past have complained over the dominance of brokers in the determination of insurance business which has often led to the crippling of underwriting profit. According to t Mr. G.U.S. Wiggle managing director of Linkage Assurance, at a BGL forum, brokers have ensured a situation which has made premium payment by corporate customers hardly received on time. The result, he said is that the net operating cash flow for insurance companies are low, averaging between 0.5 percent and 19.7 percent. He added that there have been situations when underwriting risks mature while premiums are yet to be received.
Industry watchers believe that the proposed law may confer on THE National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), the expected status as a regulator of insurance, carrying similar powers as that of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

 


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NDIC Reinforces Full Oversight Compliance to Safeguard Depositors

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Mr. Thompson Sunday, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), has reaffirmed the Corporation’s strict compliance with fiscal and financial regulations, including the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) 2007, noting that the NDIC has consistently remitted the required percentage of its earnings to the Federal Government.

Mr. Sunday made this known during a courtesy visit to the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Dr. Armstrong Takang, as part of NDIC’s ongoing engagement with key stakeholders following his formal assumption of office in July 2025.

According to him, NDIC takes financial accountability and transparency seriously, stressing that the Corporation complies fully with statutory remittance obligations, including the payment of 20 per cent of gross earnings or 80 per cent of net surplus to the Federal Government, as applicable. He added that NDIC also submits its financial statements ahead of statutory deadlines.

The NDIC MD/CE explained that this culture of compliance aligns with the Corporation’s role as a key institution within Nigeria’s financial safety-net, charged with protecting depositors and promoting confidence in the banking system. He emphasized that adherence to fiscal discipline remains central to NDIC’s credibility and effectiveness.

Mr. Sunday further disclosed that NDIC also complies with the Federal Government’s 50 per cent cost-to-income ratio policy, although he noted that the policy poses operational constraints. He explained that the deductions affect NDIC’s ability to build a strong Deposit Insurance Fund, which is needed to respond effectively to bank failures.

He stressed that international best practices under the Core Principles for Effective Deposit Insurance issued by the International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI) require deposit insurers to maintain adequate funds to reimburse depositors when banks fail without recourse to government, adding that the NDIC is seeking an exemption to strengthen its capacity in this regard.

Mr. Sunday described MOFI as a critical stakeholder, noting that the Federal Government, through MOFI, holds a 40 per cent equity stake in NDIC. He said sustained collaboration with MOFI is essential to ensuring that NDIC continues to meet its obligations to government while effectively safeguarding depositors’ funds.

In his remarks, Dr. Takang commended the NDIC for its exemplary collaborative spirit and acknowledged the Corporation’s compliance with fiscal regulations. He assured that MOFI would continue to engage the Federal Ministry of Finance on NDIC’s behalf, noting that a strong NDIC is vital to sustaining confidence in Nigeria’s financial system.

Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation, transparency and accountability, with Mr. Sunday reiterating that NDIC remains focused on balancing regulatory compliance with its overriding mandate of depositor protection and financial system stability.


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T2 Backs Youth Excellence as NCBC Wins Bosun Tijani Foundation Basketball Tournament

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T2 has reaffirmed its commitment to youth development and excellence through sport as the NCBC basketball team, adopted by the brand, emerged champions of the Bosun Tijani Foundation Youth Basketball Tournament held at the Alake Sports Complex, Ijeja, Abeokuta.

The tournament, organised by the Bosun Tijani Foundation in collaboration with the Ogun State Government and supported by several partners including T2, brought together 12 competitive teams from across Nigeria, positioning basketball as a powerful platform for youth engagement, discipline, and opportunity.

NCBC’s championship run reflected the values T2 seeks to champion, work ethic, intelligence, teamwork, and resilience. The team recorded commanding victories over Team Vision, Warlords, and Elevate before defeating the Ilupjeu Raiders 66–52 in a gripping final.

Commenting on the adoption of the team, Seni Ogunkola, Vice President, Brands and Communication, T2 stated “NCBC embodies the qualities we believe in, exceptional work rate, intelligence on the ball, discipline, and a hunger to excel. By supporting them, T2 is investing in potential, purpose, and the next generation of leaders on and off the court.”

The climax of the event saw His Royal Highness, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Alake of Egbaland, alongside Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, present the trophy to the victorious team, drawing rapturous applause from spectators. The event was also attended by the Chief of Staff to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Mr. Lere Olayinka, and the Ogun State Commissioner for Sports, Honourable Wasiu Isiaka, underscoring strong institutional support for youth-focused initiatives.

Through its participation in the tournament, T2 continues to position itself as a brand that goes beyond sponsorship, championing platforms that unlock talent, inspire ambition, and create lasting social impact for Nigerian youth.


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Ecobank Guarantees Seamless Digital Banking Services Throughout the Christmas and Year-End Period

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Ecobank Nigeria, a member of Africa’s leading pan-African banking group, has assured customers of uninterrupted access to banking services throughout the year-end holiday period via its secure and robust digital platforms. The Bank also urged customers to remain vigilant against fraud and scams during the festive season.

Ecobank Guarantees Seamless Digital Banking Services Throughout the Christmas and Year-End Period

Ecobank Bank

Speaking on the development, Victor Yalokwu, Head, Products & Analytics, Consumer & Commercial Banking, Ecobank Nigeria, said the Bank’s digital channels – including the Ecobank Mobile App, Ecobank Business App, USSD *326#, Ecobank Online, OmniPlus, Omnilite, EcobankPay, RapidTransfer, Ecobank Cards, ATMs, PoS terminals, and over 35,000 Ecobank Xpress Point (Agent Banking) locations nationwide – will remain fully available to support customers throughout the yuletide and year-end holiday period.

He noted that customers will continue to enjoy a wide range of services during the period, including local and international funds transfers, bill payments and airtime top-ups, merchant payments, balance inquiries and account statements, as well as cardless cash withdrawals via ATMs.

According to Yalokwu, “Ecobank encourages customers to leverage these digital solutions for safe, fast, and efficient banking, especially during the festive season when convenience and reliability are essential.

“While physical branch operations may be subject to adjusted working hours in line with public holidays, customers can be assured that Ecobank’s digital platforms are designed to deliver uninterrupted service and enhanced security at all times.

“Ecobank remains committed to providing innovative financial solutions and exceptional customer service, and we wish all our customers a joyful festive season and a prosperous New Year.”

Yalokwu also cautioned customers to remain vigilant against fraudsters and scammers during the period. “Before you wrap up the year, tighten your security. December brings online sales, travel, and year-end distractions—this is exactly when scammers are most active. From fake festive deals to cloned merchant sites and suspicious messages, staying vigilant helps keep your money safe.”

He advised customers to shop only on trusted websites, never share their PINs, passwords, or one-time passwords (OTPs), avoid banking on public Wi-Fi networks, be cautious of urgent or emotionally charged messages, and regularly review their account activity.


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