The Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) has established two new technical committees focused on agricultural insurance and reinsurance as part of efforts to improve professional expertise and raise operational standards across the industry.
The inauguration brings the number of NIA’s technical committees to 16, providing specialised platforms for insurers to address emerging issues and develop stronger practices in different segments of the market.
Speaking during the inauguration, NIA Director-General, Bola Odukale, said the new committees were established in response to demands from members of the association’s Governing Council and other industry stakeholders for greater attention to critical areas of insurance.
She said the Agricultural Insurance Technical Committee would work to promote best practices while improving insurers’ capabilities in areas such as underwriting and claims management.
The Reinsurance Technical Committee, she added, would provide a dedicated platform for examining developments and practices in reinsurance while similarly strengthening technical competence in underwriting and claims administration.
Odukale urged members of both committees to approach their responsibilities with professionalism and contribute ideas that could improve technical standards and support the long-term development of the sector.
Before the leadership elections, members received briefings on their respective mandates, responsibilities and expected contributions to the industry.
Leonard Okoroafor of AIICO Insurance Plc was elected chairman of the Agricultural Insurance Technical Committee, with Baron Omiji of Guinea Insurance Plc serving as deputy chairman.
Adebayo Olukolajo of Leadway Assurance was elected secretary, while Ndidi Olagunju of Industrial and General Insurance became assistant secretary.
For the Reinsurance Technical Committee, Helen Osadunkwu of Cornerstone Insurance Plc emerged chairman, while Ochuko Efenure of Zenith Insurance Plc was elected deputy chairman.
Uwem Offong of NSIA Insurance became secretary, while Otoikhila Godskingdom of Emple Insurance was elected assistant secretary.
The NIA said the creation of the committees reflected its broader commitment to developing technical capacity, encouraging cooperation among industry operators and promoting professional standards.
The association expressed optimism that the specialised platforms would help insurers respond more effectively to challenges within agricultural insurance and reinsurance while supporting sustainable growth across Nigeria’s insurance market.
