Politics

NIIRA: Group backs NAICOM’s implementation of insurance reforms

A parliamentary support group and a civil society organisation have applauded the Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive Officer of the National Insurance Commission, NAICOM, Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, over what they described as the transparent implementation of the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act, 2025.

The groups said the insurance sector was witnessing a positive revolution under the new law, with reforms in recapitalisation, policyholder protection and enforcement of compulsory insurance gaining momentum.

Speaking at a world press conference in Abuja on Thursday, the Parliamentary Support Network said the NIIRA 2025, signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had moved from legislation to implementation.

In a statement signed by Amb. Muhammad Abdulrazaq and Comr. Adams Umoren, the group said Omosehin had played an important role in driving the implementation of the reforms.

“We also recognise the role being played by the Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive Officer of the National Insurance Commission, Mr Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, in the implementation of the reforms,” the group said.

“The Parliamentary Support Network therefore considers his industry experience relevant to the task before NAICOM at a time when the sector is undergoing significant regulatory and structural change,” it added.

The network said Omosehin had more than three decades of experience spanning underwriting, risk management, corporate restructuring and insurance administration.

It noted that he previously served as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Old Mutual Nigeria Life Assurance Company Limited and Chairman of the Nigerian Insurers Association before his appointment as Commissioner for Insurance in 2024.

The group also commended President Tinubu and the National Assembly for enacting NIIRA 2025, which repealed and consolidated previous insurance laws and introduced provisions on capital requirements, risk-based supervision, corporate governance, consumer protection and regulatory enforcement.

“We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly for their roles in the passage and enactment of NIIRA 2025,” it said.

According to the group, the new law provides a unified legal framework while strengthening the regulator’s capacity to respond to emerging risks.

It also highlighted provisions for stronger protection of policyholders, including the establishment of the Insurance Policyholders Protection Fund.

The network cited NAICOM’s August 2026 announcement that the 12-month recapitalisation exercise had been completed, describing it as a major step towards building a stronger and more resilient insurance industry.

It also noted the commencement of the Insurance Policyholders Protection Fund and the October 2025 inauguration of a joint committee between NAICOM and the Federal Road Safety Corps to enforce compulsory third-party motor insurance.

The group said NAICOM had also engaged government institutions and private-sector stakeholders on insurance products for the maritime, petroleum and agricultural sectors.

It described the developments as evidence that the reform was moving from legislation to practical implementation.

“Since the commencement of NIIRA, there have been visible steps towards putting its provisions into effect,” the group said.

“These developments indicate that NIIRA is moving from legislation to implementation,” it added.

The network, however, acknowledged that the new capital requirements had placed significant demands on insurance operators and that disagreements over fees, compliance and interpretation were inevitable.

It said such disagreements should be resolved through evidence, due process and institutional accountability.