L-R: Dr. Julius Odidi, Head, Lagos Office, National Insurance Commission, Mrs. Ebere Nwoji, Chairperson, Nigerian Association of Insurance and Pension Editors (NAIPE); Mrs Bola Odukale, Director General, Nigerian Insurers Association, and Mr Olusesan Ogunyooye, Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, at the inauguration of the new Executives of NAIPE, in Lagos on Thursday..
BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and the Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) have called for deeper collaboration with the Nigerian Association of Insurance and Pension Editors (NAIPE) to accelerate development across the country’s insurance and pension sectors.
Speaking on Thursday in Victoria Island, Lagos, during the inauguration of NAIPE’s newly elected executive members, representatives of both regulatory bodies emphasized that a strong partnership with the media is vital for driving key industry reforms, strengthening economic resilience, and boosting public confidence.
Addressing the newly inaugurated executives, NAICOM’s Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Olusegun Omosehin—represented by Dr. Julius Odidi—urged insurance journalists to maintain high standards of professionalism and integrity in their reporting.
He noted that because the industry relies heavily on public trust, media professionals play a crucial role in translating complex regulatory policies into clear, accessible information for everyday citizens, ultimately supporting market penetration and consumer protection across Nigeria.
Reminding them that insurance and pension sectors thrive on trust, he implored them to keep expanding the knowledge of the industry by doing more of interpretative journalism for citizens to understand insurance in simple terms.
“The developmental agenda of NAICOM is anchored on reforms that strengthen regulation, deepen market penetration, and enhance consumer protection. These reforms ranging from digital transformation, risk-based supervision, financial inclusion, to pension integration require not only technical execution but also effective communication. This is where synergy with NAIPE becomes indispensable.
“Together, we can ensure that the public understands the benefits of reforms, that operators embrace compliance with enthusiasm, and that the industry’s image is projected positively. The partnership between NAICOM and NAIPE is therefore not a matter of convenience but of necessity.
“As regulators, we rely on your editorial expertise to amplify our vision. As journalists, you rely on our openness and transparency to enrich your reportage. This mutual dependence is the foundation of sustainable growth for the sector”
The Commissioner affirmed that, NAIPE’s role in disseminating accurate information is critical to the success of the industry.
He stressed that, leadership is both a privilege and a responsibility.
And as the new excos steps into roles that demand vision, courage, and dedication, he urged them to build on the solid foundation laid by its predecessors, be innovative in approach and uphold the values of professionalism and integrity that define its association.
“Your tenure should be marked by stronger collaboration with NAICOM, deeper engagement with industry stakeholders and a renewed commitment to educating the public on the importance of insurance and pensions in national development.
“Remember that your voice shapes the narrative and the narrative shapes the future. On behalf of NAICOM, I assure you of our unwavering support. We recognize the importance of your work and will continue to partner with you in every possible way, ” he stressed.
He believes that, with collaboration, reforms can be driven not only to strengthen the industry but also contribute to Nigeria’s economic resilience and social security.
“As you embark on this journey, may your tenure be fruitful, impactful and memorable. May you find fulfillment in service and may your leadership inspire confidence and progress. Let us continue to work hand in hand, regulators and editors alike, to build an insurance and pension industry that Nigerians can trust, rely upon, and be proud of” he added.
Also, Chairman, Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), Mrs. Ebelechukwu Nwachukwu, represented by the Director General/CEO, NIA, Mrs Bola Odukale expressed optimism over new leadership of NAIPE, saying, NIA looks forward to strengthening collaboration with the Association.
“I have no doubt that under her leadership, NAIPE will attain even greater heights. Your contributions have not only enhanced the visibility and reputation of the insurance industry but have also strengthened national conversations around financial inclusion, economic resilience and sustainable development, ” she emphasised.
She affirmed NIA’s commitment to sustaining and deepening strategic partnership through continuous engagement, knowledge sharing and collaborative initiatives that will further promote the value of insurance to individuals, businesses and the Nigerian economy.
“As you assume the responsibility of leading this esteemed Association, I wish you and your team wisdom, strength, unity of purpose and outstanding success. May your tenure be marked by impactful leadership, professional excellence and meaningful contributions to the growth of insurance journalism and the advancement of Nigeria’s insurance industry” she added.
In her acceptance speech, Mrs. Ebere Nwoji assured stakeholders she would keep the candle burning and the light brighter for the next generation to see her regime’s footprints.
Nwoji reiterated her administration’s agenda: to ensure unity, togetherness and effective coverage of insurance and pension sectors.
She assured stakeholders of NAIPE resolve to keep telling the insurance and pension stories consistently as means of long term savings, financial security and independence.
Given the assurance of propagating the gospel of insurance and pension, she urged operators to ensure that they win public trust.
“This trust can only be won when they keep the hallowed promise of utmost good faith to the customer. This stands as an oath to the insured and contributors from the onset of insurance contract.
In the pension industry, she maintained that operators’ ability and willingness to meet expectation guarantees the workability and mass patronage of the Personal Pension Plan which is a big challenge starring on the faces of both operators and journalists covering the beat.
