The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has issued a circular (NAICOM/DPR/CIR/32/2020) allowing conventional insurance companies in Nigeria to exploit the huge opportunities in the Microinsurance window.
The circular was signed by Akah L M, Director (Policy & Regulations), and disclosed that the requirements for the conventional insurance firms to be granted approval for the window operation includes:
- The insurer shall seek and obtain approval of the Commission to transact microinsurance business.
- Board resolution approving the establishment of a microinsurance department.
- Applicant shall apply for window microinsurance national operation licence.
- The department shall be headed by an experienced Insurance Officer, not below the rank of an AGM.
- The Insurance Officer must possess a minimum of 7 years post Associate of Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria qualification or a minimum of 10 years working experience in a technical department of an insurance institution.
- Any window operator shall segregate the financial records of its microinsurance business from that of the conventional business.
- Appropriate reinsurance arrangement shall be put in place.
(READ MORE: NAICOM gives insurance companies additional one year to recapitalise)
What this means
- The microinsurance window presents a gold mine waiting to be tapped by the conventional insurance firms in Nigeria, helping them to achieve critical mass in the market.
- This would afford opportunities for those in informal sectors, as well as low-income people and households to enjoy insurance products and services that will protect them against unexpected events, that could threaten their livelihood and businesses.
