Tope Smart, NIA Chairman
The Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) on Tuesday confirmed the postponement of the 47th AIO Conference And Annual General Assembly which was originally scheduled to hold in Lagos from May 31st to June 4th 2020 to October 3-7th2020 tentatively.
According to the Director –General of the Association, Mrs. Yetunde Ilori, the decision to postpone the conference which has been ratified by the Executive Committee of African Insurance Organisation at its meeting on 20th March 2020 followed the outbreak of dreaded Coronavirus disease (COVID -19).
The Association has also suspended all its monthly technical committee meetings until further notice and would encourage members to hold virtual meetings where necessary.
Prior to the outbreak of the pandemic, the Nigerian Insurers Association had made elaborate arrangements to host the 47th African Insurance Organisation (AIO) Conference and Annual General Assembly but took the decision to postpone the Conference after taking into consideration the general mood of the country and the world over; and the safety and wellbeing of the local participants and foreign delegates.
She expressed gratitude to all the partners who had agreed to sponsor the conference and hope that in spite of the postponement occasioned by the Coronavirus scourge, the Association will get greater support during the conference in October by which time the virus would have abated.
“We thank all the stakeholders for their support and understanding at this time and wish to assure them that Nigeria will still host a memorable conference on the new date”, she enthused.
Continuing, she noted: “Whilst we encourage members of the public to observe all precautionary measures including observing the requisite social distancing and working from home, they are reminded of the need to stay safe and also stay insured all the time”.
Members of the public should minimize physical visits and transact their insurance businesses including claims processing by using the various alternative channels provided by member companies. For purchase of third party motor Insurance, they can visit the Association’s online platform for purchase of third party motor vehicle insurance on https://www.niip.ng or call telephone no: 0817-078-4444 as it presents theunique experience of convenience of purchase from the comfort of their homes.
The Local Organising Committee commends Federal Government and Lagos State Government for all their efforts and measures to curtail the spread of the virus.This is also the time for member companies to activate their business continuity strategies to ensure quality service delivery despite the disruption being experienced.
The health and general wellbeing of the nation – families, partners, clients, consultants, staff and other stakeholders including our immediate community remain the major concern of the Insurance industry at this critical time. The general rules for avoiding the spread of the virus include but not limited to the following;
• Avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough;
• Avoid shaking of hands when greeting people and maintain social distancing at all times.
• Avoid large gatherings, and gatherings in smaller public spaces such as pubs, cinemas, restaurants, theatres, bars, clubs and even religious gatherings!
• Keep in touch with family and friends using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media.
Members of the public should abide by government directives of the matter until a solution is found.
Members of the public should please contact the NCDC for any suspected case of Coronavirus on the following toll free lines: 0800-97000-10, 0708-711- 0839,
0809, 955 – 5577
