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General News

Expert Tasks Operators on Slow Pace of Insurance Growth

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Notwithstanding the efforts of stakeholders aimed at rising the stakes of the insurance sector, expert opinion have indicated that the industry is not growing at a corresponding rate. According to a financial analyst, Mr. Anddy Okamoso, the Nigerian environment does not follow some of the economic principles that are known in the world. He stated that it was quite unfortunate that in Nigeria, banks have so much money in their kitty and yet they do not lend this money out to the relevant sectors of the economy that need this fund to develop their sectors. He stressed that if the situation persists, the economy not growing, he advised the government to come out with directives, so that banks can give out loans at a given rate. Okamoso who is also the managing director of ABC Consulting Group stated that insurance business is at its lowest ebb in Nigeria, adding that most Nigerians don’t know what is called insurance and due to the poor take in this area, the insurance industry is not growing the way it should.
He acknowledged the efforts of the Nigerian Insurers’ Association (NIA) whose wonderful leadership role has been of immense benefit to the operators.   He called for a review of some of the current laws guiding the industry which accounts for the slow pace of development over the years. He particularly tasked the Loss adjusters to review some of their operations and the aged long public belief that they are ready tools in the hands of insurers especially in furthering their nefarious activities. For instance, he faulted the scale of adjuster’s fees which he said needed a review in line with growing industry demand. If improved upon, he added, the loss adjusters will be better encouraged and such morale booster would have a multiplier effect on the industry at large. As it is now, the scale of fees are not attractive to work with when compared with what operates in the international scene. For instance in Europe and elsewhere, loss adjusters apply hourly rates and therefore receive living income from professional services rendered. Unfortunately, here in Nigeria, the last scale of fees which loss adjusters are using was the one agreed upon with Nigeria Insurers Association in 1992. Unfortunately, the Institute of Loss Adjusters itself has come out to say that their efforts have been frustrated in the past by the Nigeria Insurers Association (NIA) Governing Council. The financial consultant called on the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to look into the issue. He stated that one of the contending factors is that there seems to be a gap between them and underwriters whom they have accused in time past for either delaying or even forgetting to pay loss adjusters fees. He stressed that in an ideal situation, the claimant’s cheque and the loss adjuster’s bill ought to be processed at the same time and promptly. While claiming not to hold fort for adjusters, Okamoso canvassed a role for them under the Employee Compensation Bill. For now, he said, adjusters are not involved in that business, stressing that insurance firms are offering the service on workman compensation, a situation he said was not necessary. It will be counter productive, except they want to repeal all the laws that are already in place.  He warned that If the bill as allowed, to go through, the employees also should be allowed to have option, adding that the current fight by the insurers for a fair representation was a fight in the right direction.
 He called on government to be actively involved in shaping the industry if there would be any sustainable results in on-going economic revival policies.
 
 

 


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Nigeria CommunicationsWeek believes that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. So since 2007, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and how they affect lives.

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NFIU Warns Against Use of BNBEX over False Claims

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Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has dissociated itself from BNBEX’s activities and warned Nigerians against using the online trading platform.

NFIU Warns Against Use of BNBEX over False Claims

BNBEX, a global cryptocurrency trading, with headquarters in Miami, Florida, USA, had claimed that the NFIU is conducting a compliance review of all transactions related to Nigerian users on her platform pursuant to Nigerian Financial Surveillance Regulation.

However, in a swift reaction,  Sani Tukur, head, strategic communications department, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, said such circular was not issued by the NFIU and bears no connection whatsoever to any of the unit’s current regulatory or compliance initiatives.

According to him, ” the NFIU wishes to inform all financial system stakeholders and the general public that it did not authorise nor author the document recently posted by BNBEX on its website, which falsely claims that the NFIU is conducting a compliance review of all transactions related to Nigerian users on her platform pursuant to Nigerian Financial Surveillance Regulation.

“The NFIU categorically states the circular was not issued by the NFIU and bears no connection whatsoever to any of the Unit’s current regulatory or compliance initiatives.

“Secondly, the Unit wishes to state that  ‘Nigerian Financial Surveillance Regulation’ referenced in the circular is non-existent and has no basis in Nigerian law or regulatory frameworks.

“It further states that the logo and insignia used in the circular does not belong to  NFIU and is fake.  Additionally, the Unit presently has no office situated at Central Business District, Abuja or any other location outside it’s head office at No. 1 Monrovia Street, Wuse II, Abuja.

“NFIU therefore, strongly dissociates itself from the claims made in the circular and urges members of the public to rely only on official NFIU channels for accurate and legitimate information. Finally, the Unit has no affiliation to the entity known as BNBEX nor validated any of its operations.

“For purposes of clarification or to report suspicious information purporting to be from the NFIU, please contact the Strategic Communications Department at info@nfiu.gov.ng.”

 

 


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NITDA Advocates Strategic Partnership in Research to Unlock Nigeria’s Digital Potential

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Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has emphasized the critical need for robust collaboration among academia, industry, and government.

This call was made during a working visit by a delegation from Lancaster University, United Kingdom, led by Professor Kirk Semple, Director of International Research, to NITDA’s corporate headquarters in Abuja.

The visit centred on exploring avenues for strategic collaboration under the Research and Innovation Partnership for Entrepreneurship (RIPE) programme, an initiative aimed at leveraging academic research and innovation to spur entrepreneurial development and economic transformation.

Addressing the delegation, Inuwa noted that Nigeria and Africa broadly face a significant research investment gap that continues to hinder the continent’s progress toward building knowledge-based economies. “For us to build a robust and sustainable economy, we need to invest in research. That is where we have a huge gap in Nigeria and Africa at large, we don’t invest in research,” he said.

Using agriculture as a case in point, Inuwa observed that many Nigerian farmers lack access to critical data and digital tools that could revolutionise productivity and resource efficiency. He stressed that research and development (R&D) are foundational to solving such sector-specific challenges and to informing policies and regulations that can accelerate digital transformation.

Inuwa further outlined NITDA’s focus on emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), blockchain, robotics, and additive manufacturing, noting that these technologies hold vast potential for solving local problems and creating new economic opportunities.

“The goal is to create a vibrant technology-research ecosystem that unites academia, industry, government, entrepreneurs, and risk capital,” he stated.

He further emphasised the need to align university curricula with real world industry demands, encouraging institutions to develop talent capable of addressing practical challenges through innovation. Inuwa also called for better coordination among stakeholders, warning against the inefficiencies of duplicative efforts.

Inuwa also referenced the eight strategic pillars identified by the Federal Government as drivers of national development. These include Reforming the economy for inclusive and sustainable growth, strengthening national security for peace and prosperity, boosting agriculture to achieve food security, unlocking energy and natural resources, enhancing infrastructure and transportation, focusing on education, health, and social investment, accelerating diversification through industrialisation and innovation, Improving governance and service delivery.

To support these priorities, Inuwa further highlighted NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2.0 (SRAP 2024–2027), which is structured around eight complementary pillars. These include Foster Digital Literacy and Cultivate Talents, build a Robust Technology Research Ecosystem, Strengthen Policy Implementation and Legal Framework, Promote Inclusive Access to Digital Infrastructure and Services, Strengthen Cybersecurity and Enhance Digital Trust, Nurture an Innovative and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, Forge Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration, and Cultivate a Vibrant Organisational Culture and an Agile Workforce in NITDA.

“We place a strong emphasis on research because without it, you can not develop effective policies or regulations that drive real change in the ecosystem,” Inuwa added.

The meeting marked a significant step forward in NITDA’s commitment to international collaboration, aligning with the broader objectives of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and positioning Nigeria to take a leadership role in the global digital economy through research-led innovation, DG stated.

In his earlier remarks, Professor Kirk Semple highlighted Lancaster University’s global research reputation and its commitment to strategic collaborations that deliver societal value. He described the (RIPE) programme as a vehicle for knowledge mobilisation moving beyond academic theory to practical application.

“Universities today are under pressure to demonstrate value beyond knowledge creation. Strategic partnerships like this with NITDA helps ensure research informed policy, supports innovation, and drives meaningful change in communities,” Semple said.

He also underscored the role of innovation in bridging the gap between academia and society, noting that universities serve as critical hubs for organisations especially those lacking R&D capabilities to access expertise and resources necessary for solving global issues like climate change, public health, and technological inequality.

Professor Semple concluded by affirming the importance of creating diverse, long-term networks that foster cooperation across sectors, emphasizing that the true measure of success lies in sustained impact rather than accolades.

 


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Lagos Slush’D 2025 To Promote Creativity among Start-ups

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L-r: Oluseye Soyode-Johnson, Strategic Partnership at Bvndle Loyalty & Programs and Content Lead; Dolapo Taiwo, Partner Unotech Media and Communications Lead; Rasheka Scott, CEO of Scott & Co. And Legal Consultant and Kolawole Okuboyejo, Director all of Lagos Slush’D during pre-event media parley held in Lagos yesterday
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The median edition of Lagos Slush’D 2025, an innovation-driven, founder-focused startup conference begins today. The two-day event holding at The Podium, Lekki, Lagos, is part of the global Slush’D movement under the world-renowned Slush Helsinki brand.

Lagos Slush’D 2025 will showcase Nigeria’s fast-growing start-up ecosystem and spotlight the creativity, resilience, and ambition of Nigerian founders.

Mr. Kolawole Okuboyejo, Director, Lagos Slush’D, said the event will also connect local startups with global innovation networks, particularly the Nordics (Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Iceland), known for world-leading innovation, sustainability, and impact entrepreneurship.

“It will facilitate meaningful partnerships between start-ups, investors, corporates, accelerators, and policymakers to drive funding, market access, and knowledge exchange.

“Promote inclusive and scalable innovation that tackles Africa’s biggest challenges — from food security and digital inclusion to climate adaptation and affordable healthcare. Strengthen the Nigeria-Nordics connection, building long-term bridges between ecosystems that believe in entrepreneurship as a driver of societal and economic progress.

“Lagos Slush’D is where ambition meets opportunity — a space for start-ups to pitch bold ideas, meet future partners, and accelerate their journey from local to global impact,” he said.

He noted that Lagos Slush’D place a special emphasis on the Nigeria-Nordics connection, drawing from the Nordics’ strengths in clean technologies, impact investing, sustainability, and start-up innovation, while tapping into Nigeria’s fast-growing, opportunity-rich market.

“Nigeria boasts a young, tech-savvy, urban population, a growing middle class, and rapidly expanding mobile and internet connectivity — all fueling digital innovation.

“Nigeria is home to Africa’s largest economy and most vibrant start-up scene. Over 600 active tech hubs across Africa. African start-ups raised over $5 billion in funding in 2023, with projections for a fivefold increase by 2030.

Africa’s combined GDP is projected to reach $3.2 trillion by 2030. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will become the world’s largest free trade zone, unlocking massive cross-border opportunities.


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