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Pathway to Taking Insurance to Greater Heights

Published

14 years ago

January 25, 2010

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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.

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Climate Action Africa Opens Applications for CAAF24 Deal Room

Published

1 day ago

April 23, 2024

Ugo Onwuaso

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Climate Action Africa (CAA), a leading advocate for climate resilience and sustainable development, has announced the opening of applications for the Deal Room at the 2024 Climate Action Africa Forum (CAAF24). The Deal Room is a groundbreaking platform that aims to connect high-impact climate innovators in Africa with potential investors seeking to accelerate sustainable solutions.

The CAAF Deal Room is a strategic initiative that aims to create opportunities for innovators in the climate-tech domain focusing on emission reduction, energy, agriculture, transportation, circular economy, and building and construction.

The goal of the Deal Room is to select finalists who will have the opportunity to pitch their innovative ideas and solutions at the upcoming 2024 Climate Action Africa Forum, which will be held on June 19th in Lagos, Nigeria.

The Deal Room aims to boost investments in Africa’s green economy by galvanising a community of innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors to create applicable solutions that can mitigate the challenges of climate change on the African continent.

The Deal Room session will facilitate financing for solutions contributing to the growth and sustainability of Africa’s green economy. These deals may encompass prize money, equity plans, debt financing, mergers and acquisitions, and other investment options.

“Through the CAAF24 Deal Room, we aim to bridge the critical gap between promising climate ventures and the essential resources they need to thrive,” says Grace Oluchi Mbah, Co-founder and Executive Director of Climate Action Africa (CAA). “By facilitating connections between passionate entrepreneurs and dedicated investors, we can collectively unlock the immense potential of climate solutions in Africa.”

The eligibility criteria for applying include:

● The company must be African-owned and operate in any of the 54 African countries.

● It must be a for-profit company, between 1-5 years post-incorporation, post-MVP (minimum viable product), and post-GTM (go-to-market).

● The company should leverage digital technology to deliver its business model.

● Female ownership is an added advantage.

Those eligible to apply include venture capitalists, impact investors, climate tech startups, Green SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises), philanthropic organisations, and government representatives.

Following the CAAF24 deal-room will be a post-event accelerator in partnership with the Silicon Valley-based Founder Institute and IDEA Africa. This Africa-wide initiative is specifically designed to further accelerate and enhance support for promising Climate Tech startups and founders who participated in the Deal Room.

The official unveiling of this accelerator will take place at the Climate Action Africa Forum 2024 (CAAF24), marking a significant step forward in driving Climate Tech innovations throughout Africa.

Applications for the CAAF24 Deal Room are open from April 22nd until May 17th. Interested applicants can register at https://deal.caaf.africa/register.

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LCCI Urges FG to Simplify Trade Procedures to Boost Economy

Published

2 days ago

April 22, 2024

Chike Onwuegbuchi

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The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has said that the government needs to simplify and harmonize trade procedures and address bottlenecks in order to boost economic growth in the country.

President of LCCI, Mr. Gabriel Idahosa, gave the charge at a Quarterly media briefing on the State of the Economy yesterday in Lagos.

He said that the government has to create an atmosphere that promotes export growth and competitiveness, which is projected to boost export earnings, raise domestic revenue, improve citizens’ welfare, and increase business productivity.

“We recommend that reforms must include simplifying and harmonizing trade procedures as well as addressing bottlenecks such as port logistics, congestion, and transportation costs. This is expected to position the country as the commercial centre of the region and a springboard into regional value chains,” he stated.

On managing the persistent high inflation, the LCCI president said both monetary and fiscal authorities should focus on the factors driving the inflation rates by tackling the supply-side deficiencies instead of focusing too much attention on the demand-side management.

“We urge the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to continue with its foreign exchange (forex) market reforms with intense discipline, as the high exchange rate against the naira is a major driver of the skyrocketing inflation rates.”

Idahosa acknowledged the improvement in the naira exchange rate in the last few days, moving towards the level of N1000 per dollar or lower.

“CBN needs to sustain its policy and regulatory reforms in the FX market, adopt policies that would attract more FX inflow into the economy as well as build market confidence in the performance of the FX market,” he added.

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Dufil Takes Donation of Indomie Noodles Cartons to Vulnerable Communities in Abuja and Environ

Published

4 days ago

April 20, 2024

Chike Onwuegbuchi

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In line with its commitment to provide critical support to indigent members of communities around the country in the face of the ongoing economic challenges, Dufil Prima Foods Limited, makers of Indomie Instant Noodles, in partnership with Golan Helps Abuja Food Bank Initiative (GHAFBI) and Meluibe Foundation on Wednesday, April 17 distributed Indomie noodles cartons to vulnerable communities in Kuje and Kubwa Local Government Areas in Abuja.

With the goal of alleviating hunger and supporting communities across Nigeria, Indomie Instant Noodles has committed to donating a substantial quantity of noodle packs to various NGOs working tirelessly to address food insecurity.

These organizations play a crucial role in reaching remote and underserved areas, ensuring that nutritious meals reach those who need them most.

“We are deeply committed to making a positive impact in the communities where we operate,” said Olusola Olayinka Idowu OON, former Permanent Secretary, Budget and National Planning, and the CEO/Founder of GHAFBI.

“At GHAFBI, we believe that everyone deserves access to wholesome and nourishing food. Our partnership with Dufil Prima Foods to donate Indomie Noodles packs is a big step towards addressing food insecurity and supporting vulnerable communities in Abuja”, said Idowu who was also the former National Conveyor, UN Food System Dialogues in Nigeria.

Speaking in the same vein, Obialunanma Nnaobi-Ayodele, Executive Director, The Meluibe Empowerment Foundation, expressed her gratitude to Indomie Noodles for the partnership. “Our vision as an NGO is to change the world one step at a time, by providing relief and support to vulnerable communities.

This is achieved through collaborations and partnerships, one of which is what we have done with Indomie Noodles. We remain grateful for their support through this food relief initiative”, she said.

By partnering with NGOs, Indomie Instant Noodles works closely with local leaders and community heads in directly engaging with rural communities to distribute noodle packs and provide immediate relief to families facing hunger and ensuring that food assistance reaches those who are most in need, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with NGOs and community leaders to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people facing food insecurity”, said Temitope Ashiwaju, Group Corporate Communications and Events Manager, Dufil Prima Foods Limited. “Together, we bring hope, love and relief for all”.

The community leaders and some of the beneficiaries also expressed their immense gratitude to Indomie for the support, stressing the impact the products donated will have in alleviating hunger in their communities.

Speaking at the outreach centre, His Royal Highness, Muhammed D. Jibril, Community Leader of Gbazango Community in Kubwa Local Government Area said: “I am very grateful to Indomie Noodles for coming to our aid in these challenging times. I pray for more expansion and growth for the business and may God bless Indomie Noodles”.

Other communities who benefited from the product donations include Wunmi, Tondo, Godoji and Shazhi communities in Kuje Area Council of Abuja.

Dufil Prima Food’s donation of Indomie Noodle packs underscores its commitment to corporate social responsibility and its dedication to supporting communities in need. By providing essential food relief, Dufil Prima Foods is contributing to the well-being and resilience of vulnerable populations in Nigeria.

Indomie Instant Noodles remains dedicated to bringing joy to mealtimes and making a positive impact in communities around the world.

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