By JEFF ADE

The Commissioner for Insurance/CEO of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 paid a courtesy visit to the Inspector General of Police, Dr Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, NPM, at Louis Edet House, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

The visit was to discuss areas of working with the IGP and the management of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), who are considered critical stakeholders aligned with NAICOM's vision, to achieve its mandate, particularly in enforcing compulsory insurance.

During the visit, the Commissioner for Insurance requested collaboration to advance the Nigerian insurance sector roadmap. He emphasised that it is unlawful for individuals to drive on the road without valid motor insurance (3rd party), and noted that less than a quarter of the vehicles have valid motor insurance. The CFI stated that the visit aimed to seek NPF's collaboration to ensure the enforcement of compulsory 3rd party motor insurance, as mandated by law.

Mr Omosehin also highlighted that since 2023, the ECOWAS Brown card had been captured in the upgraded premium for 3rd party motor insurance cover by NAICOM, allowing insured vehicles to travel across the West African sub-region. In addition, he noted that the benefits attached to the 3rd party insurance had been increased to N3 million.

To further this initiative, the CFI underscored the need for digitisation platforms to authenticate the validity of vehicle insurance. He mentioned that this system is already being implemented by the Lagos State government.

The CFI requested the establishment of a team to collaborate with the Commission in conducting enforcement actions, asserting that the success of this initiative would be a significant achievement for Nigeria.

In response, the IGP assured the CFI of the Nigerian Police Force's full support in enforcing compulsory 3rd party insurance. He announced that a team, headed by the DIG Operations, would be set up to oversee the enforcement of compulsory insurance.