Expert Tasks Operators on Slow Pace of Insurance Growth

Notwithstanding the efforts of stakeholders aimed at rising the stakes of the insurance sector, expert opinion have indicated that the industry is not growing at a corresponding rate. According to a financial analyst, Mr. Anddy Okamoso, the Nigerian environment does not follow some of the economic principles that are known in the world. He stated that it was quite unfortunate that in Nigeria, banks have so much money in their kitty and yet they do not lend this money out to the relevant sectors of the economy that need this fund to develop their sectors. He stressed that if the situation persists, the economy not growing, he advised the government to come out with directives, so that banks can give out loans at a given rate. Okamoso who is also the managing director of ABC Consulting Group stated that insurance business is at its lowest ebb in Nigeria, adding that most Nigerians don’t know what is called insurance and due to the poor take in this area, the insurance industry is not growing the way it should.
He acknowledged the efforts of the Nigerian Insurers’ Association (NIA) whose wonderful leadership role has been of immense benefit to the operators.   He called for a review of some of the current laws guiding the industry which accounts for the slow pace of development over the years. He particularly tasked the Loss adjusters to review some of their operations and the aged long public belief that they are ready tools in the hands of insurers especially in furthering their nefarious activities. For instance, he faulted the scale of adjuster’s fees which he said needed a review in line with growing industry demand. If improved upon, he added, the loss adjusters will be better encouraged and such morale booster would have a multiplier effect on the industry at large. As it is now, the scale of fees are not attractive to work with when compared with what operates in the international scene. For instance in Europe and elsewhere, loss adjusters apply hourly rates and therefore receive living income from professional services rendered. Unfortunately, here in Nigeria, the last scale of fees which loss adjusters are using was the one agreed upon with Nigeria Insurers Association in 1992. Unfortunately, the Institute of Loss Adjusters itself has come out to say that their efforts have been frustrated in the past by the Nigeria Insurers Association (NIA) Governing Council. The financial consultant called on the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to look into the issue. He stated that one of the contending factors is that there seems to be a gap between them and underwriters whom they have accused in time past for either delaying or even forgetting to pay loss adjusters fees. He stressed that in an ideal situation, the claimant’s cheque and the loss adjuster’s bill ought to be processed at the same time and promptly. While claiming not to hold fort for adjusters, Okamoso canvassed a role for them under the Employee Compensation Bill. For now, he said, adjusters are not involved in that business, stressing that insurance firms are offering the service on workman compensation, a situation he said was not necessary. It will be counter productive, except they want to repeal all the laws that are already in place.  He warned that If the bill as allowed, to go through, the employees also should be allowed to have option, adding that the current fight by the insurers for a fair representation was a fight in the right direction.
 He called on government to be actively involved in shaping the industry if there would be any sustainable results in on-going economic revival policies.