General News
Technology Frees Underwriters from Armchair business
Insurance experts the world over, seem to agree that insurance agents have a crucial role to play in insurance. Even a session on IT strategies in a cost-cutting environment held recently under the title at ISOTECH 2009 a lot of discussions was focused on agents. The responsibility to improve relationships now likely falls on the underwriter. The role of the underwriter has changed over the past few years, in part due to technology. Gone are the eight-hour days of sitting at a desk. The availability of business rules and automated underwriting has freed up underwriters to take on somewhat unfamiliar responsibilities, one of which is the face and voice of the insurer to agents.
The relationship between the underwriter and agent is an important one, especially in the current market. It is difficult to grow business under the prevailing economic situation in Nigeria without relying on agents. This is more so as most of the insurance companies do not have offices in the remote areas. Experts believe that no matter the innovations which operators may put in place, agents cannot be easily wished away. According to Desmond Azuwike, general managers of ABC Agency and Brokers, you can introduce new products, but consumers may be demanding for simpler products; you can acquire other companies, but capital markets may be tight. Thus, establishing, maintaining and improving relationships with agents may be the answer, he says adding that companies that take innovative approaches are going to win.
While in the past, underwriters and technology may not have mixed well expert opinion says interest in underwriting technology, especially from personal lines, is growing. "What we’ve seen in talking to underwriters is that it is not really diminishing their intellectual capital or eliminating some of the processes. Rather, it is alleviating some of their manual tasks and enabling them to do more of the analytical work they really want to do.
Technology also is freeing up some of the underwriters’ time to become more involved in the sales process, "As you put this technology in place and offer some rules-based underwriting and pricing, you offload some of the template decisions to the other people in the enterprise and free up the underwriters to build relationships and sell more," he says.
More sophisticated technologies have hit the market over the past few years. Some of these technologies, according to experts enable collaboration between underwriters and agents. "The idea behind a workstation is to enable the underwriters to have a central location where they can access internal and external data needed in order to fully evaluate the risk," he says. "So, for example, on the property side, making it possible to calculate the insurance-to-value or probable maximum loss, or on the reinsurance side, doing some line-setting to determine retention levels for facultative reinsurance. Those are the types of things that these newer platforms provide in the commercial underwriter’s space.
"The balance between technology and relationships is critically important to our business"says Azuwike. He added that "the ease and dependability of technology enables our underwriters to focus their attention on the needs of the agency and the customer. It gives them more time to listen and solve real issues without the distraction that tedious, manual processes can create. It is a combination of science and humanity for us. We like to hear from our agencies; if they are not talking with us, then they are talking to our competitor."
He expressed that at ABC, they view the agent/underwriter relationship as critical. "Agents understand that underwriters are not going to be able to write everything that they send, but what agents really value is an underwriter who can work with the agent to move clients to where they want to be. If there’s not anything the underwriter can do on the price, they have to know the business well enough to suggest alternative coverage for different policy forms. Doing this effectively therefore, calls for a good knowledge of the industry, flexibility, willingness and availability.
Technology today has brought about a more purposeful work schedule which allows junior underwriters to do more of the keying and the processing, thereby giving relief to the senior members of the team to do more team-leading activities internally, or venturing out of the office to industry events and beyond. The present level of industry development has empowered underwriters to interact with agents more often. Such meeting created by this technological breakthrough, can be of tremendous advantage in the cross-selling and up-selling of products as well as product training.
Health Insurance; Why Insurers Place Limitations on HIV/AIDS Patients
Nigeria has a population of over 150 million people. Out of this, the number of people that have tested positive to AIDS is staggering. Only recently, the Lagos state ministry of health reported that over 1 million people have tested positive in recent times. This is outside the old figures and the equally rising statistics in other states of the federation. Today, the number of people living with HIV or AIDS is awesome.
Insurance companies may be unwilling to cover a client who has tested positive to HIV or has a full blown case. AIDS is a silent and brutal infection and has a devastating effect on the financial lives of the sufferers. Research has shown that every single non-group medical claim policy issued in this country permanently excludes hospitalization expenses incurred due to any sexually-transmitted diseases including AIDS (although AIDS can be caused by other myriad factors other than unprotected sex.) It does not matter if you have a health insurance policy for years and didn’t claim a kobo for maybe a decade. If you get infected with the HIV virus in the 11th year, you will still not be covered for any hospitalization expenses incurred due to this.
Of course, to be fair to the insurance companies there are valid reasons for the exclusions of HIV/AIDS. This is not unexpected especially against the background that 25 years ago, it was strange to hear of any such disease which has defied all medical researches aimed at finding a cure. The expenses required for treatment and eventual outcome is uncertain. The insurance industry depends on statistics about how many people get infected by the disease as well as the average cost for treating such a disease. This is also inclusive of eventual outcomes to guide in prizing appropriately. Therefore, since no reliable data is available on this, it is not surprising that it is excluded from the scope of coverage to avoid making the cost prohibitive. In fact, one of the insurance companies who spoke with this writer explained that while doing research on this subject, diabetics gave an interesting example whose insurance coverage under the health insurance plans in western countries, is variously accessed and usually very expensive.
Using this as an example, it can be clearly expressed that there is a second stage in health insurance where at least expensive insurance is available. Since HIV/AIDS is such a big issue the government would do well to create some kind of a common re-insurance pool just like it has done for certain categories of insurance such as oil and gas underwriting cover, without which the cost of covering this risk is likely to be prohibitive. Meanwhile, the insurance industry is doing its bit by having co-operative talks with some Non Governmental Organizations (NGO) under this subject. The result, though small, compared with the threats of the disease is at least providing some relief to victims, especially in meeting their treatment needs.
However, when insurance coverage for AIDS is viewed alongside other sexually transmitted diseases, one could understand why other STDs sometimes get the attention which AIDS patients don’t get. Statistical data on these lesser diseases is widely available and treatment protocols and outcomes are reasonably reliable like any other non sexually transmitted disease. Most insurance companies expressed concern that the reason this is so is because it flowed from previous mind-set that has been around for decades. At that time, the popular attitude was centered on the fact that somehow sexually transmitted diseases were immoral and hence anybody getting hospitalized due to them deserves not to be covered for the expenses. On the other hand, insurers probably felt that it was very expensive at that time to treat other sexually transmitted diseases which was perhaps acceptable.
It would be fitting if the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and the National Assembly could have regulations aimed at revisiting the entire subject of permanent exclusions. By permanent exclusion, we mean diseases that will not be covered irrespective of how long you have been insured compared with standard permanent exclusions such as congenital defects, cosmetic or obesity treatments, non allopathic treatments which are allowed under various regulations. If any insurance company wishes to expand the list it should be allowed to do so as long as an easily understandable communication is made to a prospective consumer and his prior informed assent obtained.
Kashifu Inuwa, Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has called for stronger collaboration among government regulators to accelerate the establishment of Nigeria’s National Regulatory Sandbox, describing inter-agency cooperation as the cornerstone for building an innovation-friendly regulatory ecosystem.
The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, represented by the National Coordinator of the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), Mrs. Victoria Fabunmi, delivering his remarks at the National Regulatory Sandbox Governance and Implementation Planning Workshop held in Abuja.
Speaking through the National Coordinator of the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), Ms. Victoria Fabunmi, at the National Regulatory Sandbox Governance and Implementation Planning Workshop in Abuja, Inuwa said the success of the initiative depends on regulators working collectively to develop a framework that promotes technological innovation while preserving regulatory integrity and public trust.
He noted that the workshop marks a significant transition from the design phase of the project to its implementation stage, where regulators are expected to jointly refine and validate the proposed governance structure before its rollout.
According to him, ONDI has spent several months laying the foundation for the initiative through extensive stakeholder consultations, ecosystem mapping, regulatory assessments and the preparation of a draft governance and implementation framework.
“The work completed so far provides a solid foundation, but the National Regulatory Sandbox can only achieve its objectives through collective ownership by all relevant regulatory institutions,” he said.
The NITDA Director General explained that the Technical Working Group was deliberately established as a collaborative platform to harness the expertise, experience and statutory mandates of participating agencies in shaping a regulatory model tailored to Nigeria’s innovation landscape.
He said the workshop was designed to critically review the proposed governance framework, test its assumptions and incorporate practical recommendations from stakeholders to ensure that the final model is inclusive, effective and adaptable to the country’s rapidly evolving digital economy.
Inuwa observed that while government institutions have different regulatory responsibilities, those differences should be viewed as strengths that can support the development of a coordinated and flexible implementation framework capable of responding to emerging technologies.
He further stated that the engagement would also establish clear implementation pathways, strengthen institutional partnerships and identify priority actions required to operationalise the National Regulatory Sandbox.
Expressing optimism about the outcome of the deliberations, the NITDA boss said the workshop would help build a shared national vision for the initiative while creating an enabling environment where innovators can safely develop, test and scale new technologies under appropriate regulatory supervision.
He commended participants for their commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s digital innovation ecosystem and encouraged them to make meaningful contributions that would shape a practical, innovation-driven regulatory framework capable of supporting sustainable economic growth and enhancing the country’s global competitiveness.
Speaking on the National Regulatory Sandbox journey and current worksream, Ms Ojonoka Yusufu, Implementing Partner Druve, said the initiative would provide a coordinated framework through which innovators and regulators can work together to test emerging technologies while ensuring compliance with existing laws and regulations.
She explained that the workshop was convened to build a shared understanding among participating regulators and stakeholders, develop consensus on the Sandbox’s operating model, identify implementation gaps before rollout and agree on the next steps for its successful implementation.
“We do not have anything set in stone yet. The idea is to work together to build a common understanding and ensure that all participating regulators and stakeholders are aligned on the objectives and implementation of the National Regulatory Sandbox,” she said.
Highlighting the importance of the initiative, Yusufu noted that Nigeria’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector remains one of the country’s highest contributors to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), while the nation’s startup ecosystem continues to attract significant global investment.
She observed that Nigerian startups are creating jobs, attracting foreign investment and positioning the country as a leading innovation destination in Africa. According to her, the rapid expansion of startups beyond traditional sectors such as financial technology into healthcare, mobility, agriculture and other industries has made closer regulatory coordination increasingly necessary.
Yusufu added that the National Regulatory Sandbox is backed by the Nigeria Startup Act, providing the legal foundation required to drive responsible innovation and improve the country’s regulatory environment.
She described the Sandbox as a collaborative, multi-agency innovation governance mechanism that complements, rather than replaces, existing regulatory institutions.
Techeconomy, a leading technology and digital economy publication, will celebrate its ninth anniversary with a one-day conference and awards ceremony aimed at promoting conversations on Nigeria’s digital economy and recognising excellence in innovation and technology leadership.
Techeconomy
The anniversary event, scheduled for Sept. 24 at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, will feature GrowthX by Techeconomy, a conference expected to bring together policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, investors and innovators to examine the future of Nigeria’s digital economy.
The event will also host the Technology Innovation and Leadership Awards (TiLAwards), which will honour organisations and individuals for outstanding contributions to innovation, leadership and digital transformation across various sectors.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by Peter Oluka, Editor of Techeconomy and organiser of the event, said, the anniversary celebration is intended to reflect on Nigeria’s technology journey over the past nine years while fostering dialogue on emerging opportunities and challenges shaping the country’s digital future.
Oluka said the event would provide a platform for stakeholders from the public and private sectors to exchange ideas on technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, digital policy and economic growth.
He added that the conference would feature keynote presentations, panel discussions and networking sessions involving industry experts, government officials, business executives and technology entrepreneurs.
According to him, the TiLAwards will recognise outstanding organisations and individuals whose innovations and leadership have significantly contributed to the growth of Nigeria’s technology and business ecosystem.
As part of activities marking the anniversary, Techeconomy has invited media organisations to partner with the event through news coverage, publicity and participation.
The publication also expressed appreciation to members of the media and industry stakeholders for their support over the past nine years, describing their collaboration as instrumental to its growth and continued coverage of Nigeria’s technology, business and digital economy.
The organisers said details of the conference programme, speakers and partnership opportunities would be unveiled ahead of the event.
International Trade Union Confederation, (ITUC-Africa), representing trade unions from countries in Africa, has called on Nigeria and other African governments to ensure that industrialisation translates into improved living standards for workers and ordinary citizens.
According to ITUC-Africa, economic growth must lift Nigerians and other Africans out of poverty rather than deepen inequality, frowning at Nigeria’s government plans to remove subsidy on electricity.
Delivering his opening remarks at the New Energy for Africa 11 Convening: African Workers’ Contributions to Energy Sovereignty, Green Industrialization, and a Common African for COP31, Akhator Joel Odigie, general secretary of ITUC-Africa, said, industrialisation remains central to Nigeria and Africa’s liberation and development agenda but warned that it would be meaningless if it failed to improve the welfare of the continent’s people.
He faulted the plans by the Nigerian government to remove so-called subsidy on electricity in 2027, arguing that it is aimed at satisfying the Bretton Woods institutions such as the International Monetary Fund, IMF, and the World Bank.
According to him, such removal would worsen the poverty rate in Nigeria and regress any marginal progress towards industrialisation. Subsidy removal will make electricity inaccessible to workers and the majority of the citizens.
He said, “As we speak now, Nigeria is talking of subsidy removal on electricity. The plan is not to satisfy or help Nigerians, but IMF, World Bank and other donor countries. The talk that subsidy is bad economics is a lie. All developed economies depended on public sector-driven electricity and not private sector.
“For us as Africans, industrialisation is central to our liberation and development. It is part of our aspiration to define our own identity and achieve shared prosperity through an industrialised Africa. Unfortunately, that vision has yet to be realised.
“We have also come to understand that lamenting our circumstances is not enough. Identifying the barriers to Africa’s development or pointing fingers at those who may be responsible does not move us forward. The more important question is: What next? What solutions can we pursue together?
“It is from that perspective that we confront the reality that more than 600 million Africans still lack access to electricity, while privatisation continues to deny many people affordable access to energy. This compels us to ask: What can we do differently?”
According to him, organised labour believes industrialisation can be achieved without worsening the climate crisis if governments, workers and development partners commit to energy justice.
Odigie noted that “When we speak about sustainable industrialisation, we are asking how Africa can industrialise without increasing environmental degradation or worsening the climate challenges our people already experience every day.
“We know this is possible. But it will require negotiation, compromise and genuine partnerships. It demands serious discussions on technology transfer, skills development and financing.”
He stressed that developing technical skills and mobilising investment for energy infrastructure are essential if Africa is to industrialise sustainably, saying “These are not impossible skills to acquire. With the right investment and commitment, Africa can build them. Equally important is access to finance and the resources needed to develop the infrastructure that will support sustainable industrialisation.
“An industrialised Africa has little meaning if it does not improve the lives of our people. Our vision is an Africa where prosperity is shared.
“We must reverse the growing phenomenon of the working poor. We must end the situation where women, children and older persons bear the greatest burden whenever governments attempt to balance national budgets.
“What does prosperity mean if ordinary people cannot enjoy a decent quality of life? A worker who returns home after a long day’s work should be able to switch on a fan during hot weather, watch television, listen to the news and spend meaningful time with family because electricity is available, reliable and affordable.
“If our people cannot enjoy these basic necessities, then what kind of prosperity are we really talking about?
“Energy justice means energy that is accessible, affordable and capable of improving people’s lives.”
Odigie also renewed ITUC-Africa’s campaign for stronger public participation in Africa’s energy sector, citing Finland as an example of how governments can ensure affordable electricity while working with private investors.
“Recently, we visited Finland, where we observed a successful model that combines public and private participation, with strong public leadership. Energy there is affordable. In fact, electricity costs less in Finland than it does here in Nairobi.
“Our hosts explained that this is possible because the state retains an important role in the energy sector, including the ability to influence pricing to ensure affordability for everyone.”
Ahead of the COP31 climate negotiations, he called for closer collaboration between organised labour and the African Group of Negotiators (AGN), saying trade unions are partners in governance rather than adversaries.
“Trade unions are not antagonistic to governments, even though we are sometimes misunderstood.
“Our responsibility is to strengthen accountability and help governments perform better because, from time to time, leaders can become too comfortable.”
Using a metaphor that drew applause from participants, Odigie likened the role of trade unions to keeping leaders “close to the fire.”
“Our responsibility is to keep the feet of our leaders close to the fire so that their heads do not become too cold. We want them to continue thinking clearly, making sound decisions and remaining connected to the realities faced by ordinary people.
“That is why we are not in opposition. We are not enemies.”
He said organised labour’s partnership with the AGN is intended to ensure African governments enter international climate negotiations with the full backing of workers across the continent.
Speaking, Dr Nana Amoah, chair of the African Group of Negotiators, AGN, said Africa’s energy transition presents both an urgent challenge and a historic opportunity, lamenting that “More than 600 million Africans still lack access to electricity, even though our continent possesses exceptional solar, wind, hydro and geothermal resources. Yet Africa continues to receive only a very small share of global clean-energy investment.”
Represented by Dr George Manful, AGN Senior Advisor, Amoah, said: “This imbalance must be corrected if the transition is to support Africa’s development rather than reproduce existing patterns of dependence, extraction and inequality.
“For the African Group of Negotiators, a just transition cannot be measured solely by installed megawatts, emissions reductions or new electricity connections. It must also be measured by the quality of jobs created, affordability of energy, protection of workers, participation of women and young people, development of local industries, and the capacity of African countries to retain value from their natural resources.
“Initiatives such as Mission 300 must therefore go beyond expanding access. They must strengthen public institutions, mobilise affordable and debt-sensitive finance, support local manufacturing and skills development, and guarantee that no worker, community or vulnerable group is left behind.
“Africa’s critical minerals must similarly become a foundation for green industrialisation—not another chapter of raw-material extraction. Our policies must promote local processing, technology transfer, decent work, environmental integrity and equitable participation in global value chains.”
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