By Tony Obiechina Abuja
The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has welcomed the passage of the new Insurance Consolidated Bill by the Senate and expressed optimism that the legislation will unlock the growth, prosperity, and potentials of the insurance sector.
The Commission noted in a statement on Wednesday that the passage of the Bill has marked a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to revamp the insurance industry after nearly two decades.
According to the statement, the Commission believes that the Bill is a game changer for the Nigeria’s insurance industry, and will have high positive impact on the contribution of insurance sector to the country’s GDP and economy as a whole.
“By consolidating existing insurance laws, the new legislation marks a new era in the ongoing efforts to strengthen the Nigeria’s insurance industry. The bill provides a comprehensive framework for regulating all types of insurance businesses and ensuring a more robust and effective industry”, NAICOM said.
“Passage of the Bill marks a significant triumph for Nigeria’s insurance industry, tackling the long-standing challenge of low insurance penetration in the country. The new legislation addresses the industry’s need for a more robust legal and regulatory framework, enabling it to compete favorably in the African insurance market and globally.
“The newly passed bill introduces several pivotal provisions aimed at fortifying Nigeria’s insurance industry. Key highlights of the legislation include:
Enhanced Capital Requirements: New minimum capital requirements for insurance companies, ensuring they are adequately capitalized to underwrite risks and protect policyholders.
According to the Commission, other benefits of new law include risk-Based Supervision: Consolidation of the risk-based approach to supervision, enabling regulators to more effectively monitor and manage risks within the industry.
Strengthened Consumer Protection: Improved consumer protection requirements, safeguarding the interests of policyholders and promoting transparency and fairness in insurance practices.
Others are: Streamlined Regulatory Framework: An enhanced regulatory framework, providing clarity and consistency in the regulation of insurance businesses, and facilitating a more efficient and effective supervisory process.
“This achievement comes after years of operating with laws that have failed to keep pace with the country’s evolving economic landscape. Unlike other sectors that have undergone multiple phases of legislative reforms to reflect current economic realities”, the statement added.
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