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NAICOM Unveils Three-Years Strategic Reforms for Insurance Sector

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The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) said it has rolled out three-years strategic reforms (2021-2023) that will see the transformation of the insurance sector.

The commission said the starting point of the reform was to return operating firms to liquidity status by ensuring that they restructure their balance sheets so that those that currently rely on assets that they can hardly turn to cash would effect a major turnaround in their operations and run their business based on cash flow instead of fixed assets.

The commission said it has already started this through expert advice on owners of various insurance firms who have in the past exceeded the maximum level of investment in real estate and are now facing a cash crunch and could not easily turn their assets to cash to keep afloat in business.

It further said it is strictly guiding operators to ensure that going forward none exceeds the 25 percent maximum investment in the real estate sector.

NAICOM Director of Supervision, Mr. Thompson Barineka, who spoke on behalf of the Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Sunday Thompson, at a media retreat organised by the regulator in Lagos at the weekend, revealed these.

He observed that most of the firms currently regarded as weak are not actually weak in the real sense of it considering the value of assets they have mainly in the real estate sector.

He said their actual problem is their inability to quickly turn those assets into cash and continue to discharge their responsibilities to the public.

Thomas said this being the case, the commission, having accomplished the five-year strategic plans it had set for itself, is now embarking on a three-year reform aimed at positioning the commission as a global competitive regulator whose functions are compliant with global best practices and whose supervisory roles enthrone the regime of strong, viable and virile insurance institutions strong enough to carry the risks of other economic operators and meet the prevailing needs of the insuring public.

The reforms according to Thomas rests on five strong pillars namely: entrenching effective and efficient service delivery; ensuring safe, sound and stable insurance sector; adequately protecting policyholders and public interest; improving trust and confidence in the insurance sector; encouraging innovation, and promotion of insurance market development.

According to him, the reform also gears towards ensuring absolute trust on the commission through its promotion of insurance market development tailored towards improving the scope of internal rule-base to a new risk-based supervision approach using its new integrated governance management system.

Thomas, who was appointed as commissioner for insurance one year ago, noted that he initiated the reforms considering the fact that since the development of the last strategic plan which lasted between 2016 – 2020, there have been various events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the #EndSARS protests, and the rise in kidnappings, armed banditry, communal tensions and conflicts, which have impacted on the activities and initiatives of the commission.

According to him, these events have ushered in the new normal hence shaping how the industry conducts its business going forward and the corresponding regulatory response.

He said this has also created the need to prepare the workforce for the new work order, protection of policyholders, improving human capital, leveraging on technology and creating alternative channels of insurance distribution to stimulate productivity. He said NAICOM would also ensure periodic review and performance monitoring of the plan within its life span bearing in mind the pandemic.

He said a flashback on the state of the insurance sector before he took over the leadership and its current state would show that within the one-year period, stability has been achieved within the commission and the entire industry with staff welfare at the front burner.

He said within the one-year period, his administration has been able to issue licenses to five insurance firms in the category of three life insurance, one general insurance and one reinsurance operator.
He said before his tenure, the last reinsurance firm licensed in the country was 32 years ago while the last insurance firm was licensed ten years ago.

He said in line with the three-year strategic reforms, his administration saw the need to bring in new life insurance operators because, in today’s economy, one area driving the flow of funds to the industry is life business.

“Why South Africa is dominating insurance market in Africa is because of its strength in the life insurance business. Today in Nigeria, the contributory pension asset is in the neighborhood of over N12 trillion, it is expected that some of these funds will find their way to the insurance sector but at present, insurers are still scratching business on the surface,” he added.

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Heirs Insurance Group Unveils Revolutionary Website for Seamless Insurance Experience

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Heirs Insurance Group has launched a website designed to revolutionize the insurance experience for its customers.

With a focus on simplicity, accessibility, and personalized service, the new website aims to streamline the process of obtaining insurance coverage and empower customers to make informed decisions about their insurance needs.

The website boasts a range of innovative features that make navigating insurance options easier than ever before.

From simple and intuitive navigation menus to personalized insurance recommendations, the website is designed to guide customers through every step of the insurance process quickly and efficiently.

According to Ifesinachi Okpagu, the Chief Marketing Officer of Heirs Insurance Group, the new website embodies the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional customer service.

“Today’s customers want simplicity, and this new website delivers on that request,” Okpagu said. “We are empowering customers to take control of their lives, their businesses, assets, and their most cherished people.”

One of the key features of the website is its personalized insurance experience, which takes customers through a short journey to help them identify the best insurance plan for their needs.

Whether customers are looking for coverage for their home, car, business, or loved ones, the website provides tailored recommendations to ensure they find the right insurance solution quickly and easily.

With its user-friendly interface and innovative features, the new website from Heirs Insurance Group sets a new standard for the insurance industry, making it easier than ever for customers to protect what matters most to them.

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AIICO Insurance Boosts Infrastructure Development with 5% Stake in InfraCredit

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AIICO Insurance Plc has acquired a five percent shareholding in Infrastructure Credit Guarantee Company Limited (InfraCredit).

This strategic investment positions AIICO as the second domestic institutional investor admitted by the infrastructure credit guarantee institution, following Leadway Assurance Plc.

The infusion of capital from AIICO is set to elevate InfraCredit’s paid-in capital base to an impressive $175.14 million (approximately NGN 148.55 billion), translating into an aggregate guarantee issuing capacity of up to NGN 742.77 billion (about USD 875.7 million).

This equity injection will become part of InfraCredit’s core capital, enhancing its guarantee issuing capacity and contributing to the sustenance of its coveted ‘AAA’ credit rating.

InfraCredit, known for deploying innovative credit enhancement solutions, has been pivotal in mobilizing private sector financing for infrastructure projects across various sectors of the Nigerian economy.

AIICO’s investment underscores its commitment to bridging the infrastructure gap in the country, marking the evolution of a long-term partnership with InfraCredit.

Babatunde Fajemirokun, the Chief Executive Officer of AIICO Insurance, emphasized the company’s dedication to supporting infrastructure development.

He stated, “This investment is the evolution of what we at AIICO Insurance believe will be a long-term partnership with InfraCredit. Over the past two years, AIICO Insurance has invested in InfraCredit guaranteed bonds and participated in novel financing arrangements promoted by the company to bring infrastructure investment to areas that have been significantly underserved.”

The Chairman of the InfraCredit Board of Directors, Sanjeev Gupta, welcomed AIICO as a new shareholder and highlighted the importance of fostering a strong partnership between the public and private sectors.

Gupta said, “AIICO’s investment is in line with our vision of creating a strong partnership between the public and private sectors. This partnership aims to attract private sector capital for infrastructure financing sustainably.”

Chinua Azubike, the CEO of InfraCredit, expressed enthusiasm about AIICO’s admission as the second private domestic institutional investor.

Azubike stated, “The admission of AIICO Insurance, the second private domestic institutional investor in InfraCredit, reinforces the confidence in the sustainability of InfraCredit’s unique business model.”

The AIICO Insurance equity investment is expected to further strengthen InfraCredit’s core capital base, expand its guarantee capacity, and facilitate deeper market penetration.

This collaboration aims to advance sustainable finance for impactful infrastructure projects in Nigeria, aligning with the nation’s broader goals for economic growth and development.

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Resilience Amid Challenges: Nigerian Insurance Giants Report 165% Surge in Profits

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Against a backdrop of a challenging business environment and meager insurance penetration in Nigeria, thirteen leading insurance companies have displayed resilience by declaring a collective profit before tax (PBT) of N57.1 billion in the first nine months of 2023.

This signifies a 165% increase compared to the N21.51 billion reported during the same period in 2022.

The standout performers among these insurers include AXA Mansard Insurance, Cornerstone Insurance, and AIICO Insurance, which collectively contributed significantly to the sector’s stellar performance.

AXA Mansard Insurance, particularly, recorded a remarkable 471% increase in profit before tax, reaching N15.1 billion in the nine months ending September 30, 2023.

Notably, AXA Mansard Insurance stands out as the sector leader, declaring an interim dividend of 6 kobo per N2 ordinary share, payable to shareholders on December 15, 2023, showcasing a commitment to rewarding investors.

The remarkable financial performance of these insurers has had a tangible impact on the NGX Insurance Index, reflecting a 68.44% Year-to-Date growth as of November 17.

Analysts attribute this positive trajectory to the sector’s resilience and profitability.

However, the sector grapples with impending recapitalization efforts and the need for regulatory reforms. The proposed Consolidated Insurance Bill awaits presidential assent, promising transformative changes for the industry.

Analysts believe these changes, coupled with increased budgetary allocations from the Federal Government, will strengthen the sector’s capacity to contribute significantly to the nation’s GDP and employment creation.

As the industry anticipates legislative support, stakeholders remain hopeful for a new era of growth and global best practices in the Nigerian insurance landscape.

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