General News
Pathway to Taking Insurance to Greater Heights
Insurance business in Nigeria is almost a century old, yet, its level of growth and acceptability among the insuring public is still unbelievably low. Why? Expert’s opinion is unanimous in condemning the practice of operators in sticking to their familiar old pattern without minding the culture and operational environment. wilson itsisor takes a look at the industry and the probability of exploring new grounds in order to take the industry to the next level.
Why does the insuring public have unexplainable apathy towards insurance practice? Reason: the operators have failed to be proactive by exploring new areas and breaking barriers.
First, in the mode of practice over the years, a lot appears to be unclear to the insuring public around whom the business itself is woven. Among these are the technical languages with which most insurance businesses are transacted. This has been further worsened by the activities of a few operators who repudiate from paying claims when the need arises.
Interestingly, however, among all existing businesses, insurance is one that has the greatest potential for growth. This is traceable to the many untapped areas which operators have not looked into. From the operational viewpoint of operators, their greatest undoing is keeping to their old traditional methods some of which the public have lost confidence in.
Industry watchers are of the opinion that the operators are not doing enough in new products development. For instance, Nigeria ’s population is over 150 million people. Yet, over the years, operators have struck to the traditional Life Insurance Policy which accounts for less than 5 percent of the population. Also, operators ought to work on government to enforce the law that any employer who employs up to five percent ought to take insurance cover.
According to an analyst, Ambrose Umosor, a dynamic sector as insurance should be able to brainstorm and work out policies that will accommodate at least 60percent of the population. “But, can the industry grow if operators fail to explore every conceivable opportunity to raise Life Assurance beyond its present low level?”
However, some keen observers have blamed poverty and ignorance on the part of the people for the slow pace of development. But to what extent can the operators contribute in alleviating this poverty and ignorance? Here lies some of the problems confronting the insurance. If identified problems are not frontally addressed, the likelihood is that the status quo will remain.
Umosor posits that insurance practitioners should do extensive enlightenment, spread over every facet of life in order to break the barrier of ignorance to the growth of the industry.
Still on exploring new grounds, analysts say that that less than 10 percent of existing properties belonging to the various tiers of government are insured. Every where you go, there are various government properties belonging to federal, states and local governments which are not covered with insurance policies. Yet, operators seem to be satisfied with the low level of such properties that are presently covered by insurance.
Analysts suggest that insurance operators should liaise with relevant government agencies to identify all such government properties up to the ward levels at the local government. They opined that when concerted efforts are made by them, the dividends of such efforts will not only enhance the scope of business but also contribute to raising industry standard.
In addition, research findings show that in Nigeria , household items are usually not insurable as it is done in the developed nations. Mr. Shola Olafimiyan explained that a sector like insurance with a greater potential for growth, should be active in evolving ways out of the doldrums.” What does it take to get all Nigerians, for instance, who own household items to insure them against theft and fire?”
Olafimiyan said: “It takes a proactive insurance sector working with relevant government agencies to formulate, amend and change policies towards the enhancement of the insurance business”.
Another area which has remained largely untapped is motor vehicle insurance. According to sources at the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), over 70percent of vehicles on our roads are not insured. Out of these less than 30percent of vehicles that are insured, majority of them carry third class insurance instead of comprehensive policies.
Besides, a large percentage of these vehicles carry fake insurance certificates. Mr. Ambrose Umosor explained that everyday in Nigeria ; thousands of new vehicles are bought, noting that if an existing law says that all vehicles must be compulsorily insured, what stops the operators from deploying all their resources to ensure that this is fully complied with.
He blamed this slow pace of development on the winner-takes-all syndrome among operators which forbade them from working as a united front to raise the standard. For instance, analysts believe that if the operators, individually and collectively, through the Nigerian Insurance Association and other professional groups, work hand-in-hand with NAICOM, the Federal Ministry of Finance and the National Assembly, the insurance coast will be further enlarged.
Industry watchers believe that vehicle insurance alone, if properly harnessed, is enough to cater for the greater needs of operators. But because of the several leakages arising from the lukewarm stand of operators, the industry is still shrouded in myth and mystery.
Apart form public buildings and the unexplored vehicle insurance cover; the uninsured private buildings in Nigeria , especially story buildings are other areas which operators have not looked into.
Recently, the Lagos State House of Assembly proposed a bill which will see to the compulsory insurance of story buildings. This was proposed to nip the cases of collapsed buildings in the bud.
Concerned watchers opined again that a proactive and innovative industry should have tapped into this area in order to enhance its growth. Unfortunately, insurance operators have struck to their old grounds, many of which have failed to develop beyond their status even after several decades.
Notwithstanding stakeholders have been challenged to rise to their responsibility and raise the standard of the industry. This becomes critical, especially now that the consolidation wind is still blowing across the industry. The good performance of insurance stocks on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) now is an indication of the positive effects of the reforms.
Therefore, if other factors militating against enhanced standard are addressed, the insurance industry may be the most vibrant in our economy.
Kashifu Inuwa, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has called for a fundamental shift in Kano State’s economic strategy, urging stakeholders to embrace innovation, technology and collaboration as the drivers of growth in the 21st century.
Speaking at the Kano Startup Weekend, Inuwa acknowledge Kano’s long-standing reputation as the commercial nerve centre of Northern Nigeria and the wider Sahelian region, noting that its history of trade, enterprise and human capital provides a solid foundation for future growth.
He emphasised that while these strengths powered Kano’s success for centuries, the modern economy now offers even greater opportunities through innovation and technology.
He described innovation as the process of transforming ideas into impactful solutions through commercialization, stressing that when ideas are effectively deployed, they create value, solve societal challenges and generate sustainable economic growth. He noted that Kano’s large market, strategic location and vibrant entrepreneurial culture place it in a strong position to take advantage of innovation-driven opportunities.
According to him, “Innovation is the process of taking an idea from inception to impact. Invention on its own is a cost centre, but when you commercialise an idea, when you turn it into a product or service that solves a real problem and creates value, that is when you begin to drive economic growth and inclusion.”
He noted that the state hosts numerous degree-awarding institutions across federal, state and private ownership, providing a strong base for human capital development. However, he expressed concern that these institutions often operate in isolation from industry, with research outputs rarely translating into commercial or industrial applications.
He explained that innovation does not happen in silos and stressed the need for a strong, interconnected ecosystem that brings together academia, industry, startups, entrepreneurs and government.
According to him, universities should conduct research informed by industry needs, industries should leverage research to improve productivity and competitiveness, and startups should serve as the bridge that converts ideas into market-ready solutions.
He further encouraged entrepreneurs to leverage technology to build businesses that can grow beyond local markets, explaining that innovation-driven enterprises have the power to scale rapidly, create jobs and position Kano competitively at both national and global levels. According to him, digital platforms and emerging technologies now make it easier for startups to reach wider markets and develop solutions that were previously unimaginable.
“You can start your business here in Kano, but your thinking must be global from day one. Technology has removed barriers. With the right skills and platforms, a startup in Kano can build solutions that serve not just Nigeria, but the world,” he noted.
Highlighting NITDA’s ongoing interventions, the Director General outlined the Agency’s commitment to building national innovation capacity through targeted human capital development programmes. He cited the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) initiative, which aims to equip Nigerians across all segments of society with essential digital skills, and the 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) programme, designed to produce a pipeline of globally competitive technical professionals in areas such as software development, data analysis and emerging technologies.
He said, “Through DL4ALL, we are ensuring that Nigerians at all levels have the basic digital skills needed to participate in the digital economy, while 3MTT is deliberately building a pipeline of globally competitive technical talents who can drive innovation, create jobs and attract investment.”
He explained that these programmes are key pillars of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises skills development, innovation, job creation and inclusive economic growth as pathways to national prosperity. According to him, empowering Nigerians with digital and technical skills is essential for building a resilient economy capable of competing in the global digital landscape.
“President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is about investing in people, empowering them with relevant skills and creating opportunities for inclusive growth. At NITDA, we are using digital skills and innovation as tools to translate that vision into real economic impact for Nigerians,” he said.
Inuwa urged all stakeholders in Kano to work together to build a functional innovation ecosystem that can unlock the state’s vast potential. He expressed confidence that with the right mindset, strong collaboration and sustained investment in digital skills and innovation, Kano can reclaim its historic leadership role and emerge as a major innovation and entrepreneurship hub in Nigeria and beyond.
General News
Sterling Bank Renewable Energy Colloquium Urges Stakeholders to Unlock Nigeria’s Clean Energy Potential
Sterling Bank Limited on Monday convened stakeholders in the renewable energy industry to explore strategies for accelerating Nigeria’s transition to clean energy and boosting economic growth.
L-R: Mr. Ayo Ademilua, President, Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria; Dr. Jekwu Ozoemene, Group Executive, The Alternative Bank; Mr. Biodun Ogunleye, The Honourable Commissioner, Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources; Mr. Dele Faseemo, Group Executive, Coprporate and Investment Banking, Sterling Bank; Engr. Bem Samuel Anyangeuor, Representative, Honorable Minister of Power and Mr. Oluwaseyi Okunnuga, Group Head, Renewable Energy & Sustainability Finance, Sterling Bank at the just concluded Renewable Energy Colloquium held in Lagos recently.
The colloquium, themed “Beyond the Grid: Unlocking New Frontiers in Renewable Energy”, was held in Lagos and brought together policymakers, financiers, and industry leaders to deliberate on priority areas for action.
In his opening address, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Bank, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, represented by Mr. Dele Faseemo, Group Executive, Corporate and Investment Banking, said the bank would focus on regulation and financing to expand access to energy.
He noted that energy access remained critical to supporting economic growth and achieving Nigeria’s ambition of building a one trillion-dollar economy.
Delivering a keynote address titled “Scaling Electrification in Nigeria: The REA Impact”, Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Dr. Abba Aliyu, represented by Mr. Abba Hayatudden, said Nigeria required about 26 billion dollars to bridge its energy deficit.
Aliyu explained that the energy transition strategy integrates grid, mini-grid and off-grid technologies to achieve universal, reliable and sustainable energy access while aligning with national development and climate goals.
Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, represented by Engineer Samuel Ayangeaor, commended Sterling Bank for convening the dialogue.
He said renewable energy and rural electrification were central to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The Ministry of Power has continued to expand electricity access to underserved communities to drive economic growth, foster industrial activity and create jobs across the nation,” Adelabu said.
Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Biodun Ogunleye, highlighted the state’s efforts in renewable energy, including the ongoing two-gigawatt grid-scale solar project.
He described it as the most ambitious energy transformation ever undertaken by the state.
Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, Mrs. Olapeju Ibekwe, urged participants to move beyond communiqués and act with intention to deliver meaningful impact.
The colloquium featured panel sessions on financing and scaling green energy solutions in Africa, among other discussions.
Cellulant, a leading Pan-African payments company enabling seamless digital transactions across Africa, has appointed Mr. Freddie Oduro as its new Country Manager for Ghana.
Mr. Freddie Oduro, New Country Manager for Ghana.
Freddie’s appointment is a key step in Cellulant’s broader strategy to deepen its presence in priority markets by accelerating the acquisition of in-country enterprise businesses and strengthening its position as the payments partner of choice in Africa.
Freddie brings over a decade of commercial and strategic leadership experience in the telecommunications and financial services sectors, with expertise in sales, business operations, and market expansion.
In his new role, he will drive merchant acquisition, strengthening partnerships, oversee collections and payout operations, while ensuring strong internal controls and regulatory compliance.
He joins Cellulant from Payaza and previously served as Sales Director at Cellulant, where he helped significantly expand the company’s footprint in Ghana.
Cellulant has been powering payments in Ghana for leading brands in sectors like e-commerce, utilities, oil and gas and retail, helping them offer their customers a wide range of secure digital payment options.
“We are happy to welcome Freddie back to the Cellulant family,” says Richard Gesimba, Chief Revenue Officer at Cellulant. “Ghana remains a critical market for us, with immense potential driven by rising digital payments adoption.
“As we sharpen our focus on in-country enterprise customers, Freddie’s leadership and industry insight make him the ideal person to steer our Ghana operations.”
The appointment comes at a transformative time for the company. Following a strategic shift between late 2023 and early 2024, focused on streamlining operations, doubling down on enterprise payments, and strengthening customer intimacy, Cellulant achieved profitability in 2024 and continues to build on this momentum.
The company now processes close to 4.5 million transactions daily for businesses across Africa, reinforcing its position as a fintech leader.
“I am honoured to return to Cellulant and lead the Ghana team at such a defining moment,” says Freddie, Country Manager for Cellulant Ghana. “Ghana presents a tremendous opportunity.
“We will ramp up our efforts to sign on more local merchants, strengthen our compliance and control frameworks, and introduce innovative solutions like Tingg Edupay, our automated school fee management solution that eliminates reconciliation delays by validating payments in real time and instantly updating student accounts.
“We will build on Cellulant’s strong foundation to deliver real value, reliability, and economic impact.”
Ghana’s digital payments sector continues to grow steadily, supported by increased mobile money usage and a progressive regulatory environment. Between January and October 2025, the value of mobile money transactions hit about GH¢ 3.6 trillion, up sharply from GH¢ 2.37 trillion in the same period of 2024.
Registered mobile money accounts now exceed 79 million, demonstrating strong consumer and business confidence in digital financial services and in turn creating many opportunities for payment innovation.
This leadership appointment underscores Cellulant’s commitment to building a resilient, high-performance organisation geared towards playing a pivotal role in the next era of Africa’s digital economy.
Looking ahead to 2026, Cellulant plans to further enhance the user experience on its payment platform, Tingg, and expand its footprint across Ghana.
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