General News
Aviation Insurance: Need for a Consortium
Aviation insurance is one of the products of insurance which though lucrative, is yet to attract the expected volume of business in Nigeria. Unlike other areas which have continued to receive tremendous embrace, only a few insurance companies have dared to show very active involvement. One of the reasons often advanced for this is that it is a highly specialized and costly venture.
A comprehensive aircraft policy involves insurance cover of the aircraft itself, the cargo they carry and of particular interest; the operators’ liability for any damage done to the third party property as well as injury or death to passengers.
However, while motor vehicle insurance continues to generate the greatest volume of premium to most insurance companies, aviation insurance is still treated as a sacred area where only the lion- hearted dare to tread.
Airline business has grown in Nigeria to an enviable height. Gone are the days when only the national carrier and one or two others with few aircrafts dominated the scene. Today, we have so many registered airlines with so many aircraft on their fleet. Yet, the industry is not attracting the expected volume of business.
Over time, there has been scramble for business in the oil and gas sector without paying a corresponding attention to the aviation sector. What is responsible for this lack of interest, in spite of the lucrative ness of the sector?
Isaac Omoakia is an insurance consultant with interest in aviation insurance. He said the reason aviation insurance has not been generating the expected interest could be traced to the high risk involved in the business.
He explained that before taking up an aviation insurance cover, the number of aircraft in the fleet of the airline has to be considered alongside the premium that could be generated from such. He said aviation insurance is in place but not with the kind of enthusiasm with which other classes of insurance are being pursued.
One reason there may have been this slow pace, he said, is that “Nigerian airline operators usually go for old aircraft whose airworthiness cannot be guaranteed, and “how would you expect an insurance company to cover such unworthy aircraft especially in a country where until recently operators hardly take out their airplanes for the necessary checks.”
Omoakia added that the number of air crashes that the country has witnessed in the past he said is nightmarish enough to scare away potential insurers.
The result is that because of the high risk involved, any crash would attract huge claims, a situation which would wipe off whatever premiums that such policy may have attracted in the first place.
This, therefore, can be explained from the point of view of some operators who though realize the lucrative ness but are cautious in their moves to cover aviation. According to Mr. Ladipo Ajayi, managing director of Lasaco Assurance Plc, while commenting at a forum, most of the aircraft in Nigeria are old, stressing that in giving insurance cover, the nature of risk has to be considered. Aviation insurance is therefore such area where calculated risk has to be taken.
Omoakia called on insurance companies to form a consortium in the aviation insurance as they did with the oil and gas insurance. He explained that with this, operators would be better empowered to achieve higher retention capacity and bear higher risk.
He said the lack of a consortium in the areas explains why the few insurance companies with aviation cover do so only at the level of smaller aircraft which attract lower risk. These smaller aircraft like helicopters are not prone to the bigger hazards of passenger aircraft where a mishap could eat-up half of the entire capital base of an insurer and the reinsurance company put together.
While agreeing to his suggestion, Ibidapo Balogun, managing director of Equity Assurance is of the opinion that aviation insurance calls for serious attention. He said the level of aviation development today makes its necessary for operators to come together as they did in the oil and gas sector, under the local content policy of the Federal government.
Balogun said aviation insurance covers three main sections; the haul, passenger liability and the third party liability.
Further, he said under the haul cover, the plane must be insured against any damage that borders on technical areas.
Noting the bi-literal agreements in aviation, the passenger liability is bounded by international laws which may arise in the course of its flight. One peculiar area of aviation insurance is that the insured aircraft flies both locally and internationally. The situation therefore calls for minimum internationally accepted protection for passengers in case of crash resulting in injury and death of passengers.
Under the third party liability, the insurance could cover damage done to other people’s goods. An example of this could be found in the EAS passenger plane which crashed into a residential area in Kano some years ago. It goes therefore that because the aircraft over fly the areas populated by people and by extension, property, it becomes highly demanding to cover such areas.
To underscore the value of aviation insurance and why there seems to be a slow development, industry analysts say the minimum standards prescribed by international laws, make it a specialized area which calls for caution.
For instance, going by the international rule, a minimum of $100,000 is placed on the head of each passenger who dies in an air crash.
Omoakia identified this as one area why many insurers may be scared. He cited many air crashes that we have had in Nigeria and the attendant claims many of which the insurers involved are yet to completely settle. Using the minimum entitlement of $100,000 as a guide, Omoakia explained that the Nigeria insurance industry needs to do something to be able to remain competent in the sector.
Between 2002 till early part of this year, the aviation industry has been plagued by many crashes, occasioning death and wanton destruction of properties. For instance in 2002, 148 people perished in the EAS air crash. 96 lives were also wasted in the ADC crash in 2006.In 2005, 106 people died in a Sosoliso air crash while another 117 people were skilled in 2005 in the Bellview air disaster. Many lives have also been wasted in various military air mishaps such as the infamous 1992 disaster involving 158 young military officers. There was another ADC crash that consumed the lives of 142 people within same period. Stakeholders therefore are of the view that for the industry to be vibrant enough to cover higher risk in the aviation insurance, a consortium is needed as was done in the oil and gas sector, under the local content policy of the Federal Government.
MTN Nigeria, in partnership with Pan-Atlantic University (PAU), marked a significant milestone in advancing Africa’s media landscape with the graduation of 20 Fellows from the MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP) Cohort 4 held at the Lagos Business School.
MTN
The ceremony celebrated excellence, resilience and forward-thinking storytelling, while also announcing the programme’s expansion into a Pan-African edition beginning next year.
The six-month programme, known for its rigorous coursework, demanding schedule and strong emphasis on critical thinking, included an international study visit to South Africa that broadened participants’ understanding of media innovation across the continent.
The graduation event acknowledged the Fellows’ commitment to completing the intensive journey while strengthening their capacity to influence the future of African media.
Dr. Ikechukwu Obiaya, Dean of the School of Media and Communications, PAU, commended the Fellows for their persistence throughout the programme. “In some moments, it was pretty grueling for some of you, but you made it. You are here, and I congratulate you,” he said.
“He encouraged them to see the graduation as a new beginning, adding, “We have so much to do, and each one of us is best positioned now to make that transformation.”
Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, MTN Nigeria, congratulated the cohort on successfully completing the six-month programme and reaffirmed MTN’s long-term vision for the initiative.
He said, “Congratulations on completing this journey. You are joining a network of professionals who are committed to elevating the media landscape in Nigeria and beyond.
“The future of this programme depends on your impact. This cohort represents the outcome we envisioned when the journey began. Today, the programme is not only thriving but also expanding.”
He further announced that the Pan-African edition of the programme will be launched in 2026, providing media professionals across the continent with the same level of immersive training and unique exposure experienced by the Fellows.
A key highlight of the event was MTN Nigeria’s presentation of ₦2.5 million in cash prizes to Fellows whose projects demonstrated exceptional innovation, depth of research and alignment with the programme’s ethos of impactful storytelling. The awards were presented by Chineze Gbenga-Oluwatoye, General Manager, Corporate Affairs, MTN Nigeria, and Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director, MTN Foundation.
Vanessa Ukamaka Richard Bassey, Head of Programmes, Sparkling 92.3 FM, Calabar, emerged as the top winner, receiving ₦1 million for the MTN Foundation Chairman Award for Innovative Reportage and another ₦1 million for the MTN Chairman’s Prize for Innovation. Sharing her experience, she said, “It’s been a training ground. It has opened me up to new things and made me more confident. There’s something about knowledge and information and exposure to your mind and to your esteem. After today, I know there’s nothing to be afraid of.”
Abolaji Adebayo received ₦500,000 for the MIP Cohort 4 Best Report, recognised for its clarity, depth and relevance to national discourse.
Several Fellows shared how the programme has reshaped their careers. Adekeye Ayobami of Abamimigo FM described the programme as arriving at the perfect moment, aligning with his recent career elevation.
Ubani Amarachi of Channels TV highlighted the value of the South Africa trip, noting that it transformed her approach to telling African stories and reinforced her belief that graduation marks the beginning of greater responsibility and impact.
The graduation of the MIP Cohort 4 Fellows, coupled with the announcement of the Pan-African edition, reinforces MTN Nigeria’s long-standing commitment to strengthening the media ecosystem through education, exposure and innovation.
The partnership between MTN Nigeria and Pan-Atlantic University continues to serve as a catalyst for developing media professionals equipped to shape narratives, advance societal progress and drive meaningful change across Africa.
General News
FirstCap Acts as Joint Issuing House on Veritasi Homes & Properties Plc’s ₦30 Billion Bond Programme
FirstCap Limited, a premier investment banking business and a wholly owned subsidiary of FirstHoldCo Plc, acted as Joint Issuing House and Placing Agent on the Veritasi Homes & Properties Plc’s Series 1 Bond of ₦10 billion under its ₦30 billion Bond Programme duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
The Bond Programme is designed to support the development of Project Oyster Towers, located within Eko Atlantic City. Proceeds from the Series 1 Bond issuance are expected to be applied towards the construction of 30 luxury residential units, forming part of an 82-unit residential development comprising one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments.
Veritasi Homes & Properties Plc is an indigenous real estate development company with operations across Lagos State and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and a growing track record in the delivery of residential real estate projects in Nigeria.
Commenting on the transaction, Ukandu E. Ukandu, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of FirstCap Limited, stated:
“We are proud to partner with Veritasi Homes & Properties Plc on this important transaction. The establishment of the ₦30 billion Bond Programme reflects our commitment to mobilising capital for the real estate sector, which remains a key driver of Nigeria’s economic growth. Project Oyster Towers exemplifies the future of luxury and sustainable living in Nigeria, and this transaction reinforces FirstCap’s role as a trusted advisor in major corporate finance initiatives.”
FirstCap’s involvement in the Bond Programme further reinforces our dedication to supporting the growth of the Nigeria’s real estate sector. The successful execution of this transaction highlights the depth of expertise within our capital markets team and our role in supporting issuers in accessing long-term funding solutions aligned with their strategic objectives.
By continuing to connect capital providers with high-impact infrastructure projects such as Project Oyster Towers, we remain committed to driving economic development and delivering long-term value for all stakeholders, Ukandu added.
Kashifu Inuwa, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has called for a fundamental shift in Kano State’s economic strategy, urging stakeholders to embrace innovation, technology and collaboration as the drivers of growth in the 21st century.
Speaking at the Kano Startup Weekend, Inuwa acknowledge Kano’s long-standing reputation as the commercial nerve centre of Northern Nigeria and the wider Sahelian region, noting that its history of trade, enterprise and human capital provides a solid foundation for future growth.
He emphasised that while these strengths powered Kano’s success for centuries, the modern economy now offers even greater opportunities through innovation and technology.
He described innovation as the process of transforming ideas into impactful solutions through commercialization, stressing that when ideas are effectively deployed, they create value, solve societal challenges and generate sustainable economic growth. He noted that Kano’s large market, strategic location and vibrant entrepreneurial culture place it in a strong position to take advantage of innovation-driven opportunities.
According to him, “Innovation is the process of taking an idea from inception to impact. Invention on its own is a cost centre, but when you commercialise an idea, when you turn it into a product or service that solves a real problem and creates value, that is when you begin to drive economic growth and inclusion.”
He noted that the state hosts numerous degree-awarding institutions across federal, state and private ownership, providing a strong base for human capital development. However, he expressed concern that these institutions often operate in isolation from industry, with research outputs rarely translating into commercial or industrial applications.
He explained that innovation does not happen in silos and stressed the need for a strong, interconnected ecosystem that brings together academia, industry, startups, entrepreneurs and government.
According to him, universities should conduct research informed by industry needs, industries should leverage research to improve productivity and competitiveness, and startups should serve as the bridge that converts ideas into market-ready solutions.
He further encouraged entrepreneurs to leverage technology to build businesses that can grow beyond local markets, explaining that innovation-driven enterprises have the power to scale rapidly, create jobs and position Kano competitively at both national and global levels. According to him, digital platforms and emerging technologies now make it easier for startups to reach wider markets and develop solutions that were previously unimaginable.
“You can start your business here in Kano, but your thinking must be global from day one. Technology has removed barriers. With the right skills and platforms, a startup in Kano can build solutions that serve not just Nigeria, but the world,” he noted.
Highlighting NITDA’s ongoing interventions, the Director General outlined the Agency’s commitment to building national innovation capacity through targeted human capital development programmes. He cited the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) initiative, which aims to equip Nigerians across all segments of society with essential digital skills, and the 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) programme, designed to produce a pipeline of globally competitive technical professionals in areas such as software development, data analysis and emerging technologies.
He said, “Through DL4ALL, we are ensuring that Nigerians at all levels have the basic digital skills needed to participate in the digital economy, while 3MTT is deliberately building a pipeline of globally competitive technical talents who can drive innovation, create jobs and attract investment.”
He explained that these programmes are key pillars of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises skills development, innovation, job creation and inclusive economic growth as pathways to national prosperity. According to him, empowering Nigerians with digital and technical skills is essential for building a resilient economy capable of competing in the global digital landscape.
“President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is about investing in people, empowering them with relevant skills and creating opportunities for inclusive growth. At NITDA, we are using digital skills and innovation as tools to translate that vision into real economic impact for Nigerians,” he said.
Inuwa urged all stakeholders in Kano to work together to build a functional innovation ecosystem that can unlock the state’s vast potential. He expressed confidence that with the right mindset, strong collaboration and sustained investment in digital skills and innovation, Kano can reclaim its historic leadership role and emerge as a major innovation and entrepreneurship hub in Nigeria and beyond.
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