By Tony Obiechina, Abuja Abuja
The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has urged Kano State government to be among one of the pioneer states to champion insurance growth and development.
The Commissioner for insurance Mr. Sunday Olorundare Thomas, gave the charge at the sensitisation programme for top functionaries on implementation and enforcement of compulsory insurance in the state.
He said the benefits of insurance to the government and people of kano state are numerous and urged all to embrace insurance, taken particular note of takaful and microinsurance, the later for small businesses.
Emphasising the importance for insurance purchase, Thomas shifted the responsibility to all, saying “We must let every one around us know that insurance is something you buy when you seem not to need it because it will be too late to buy when the unforeseen occurs and you may regret not buying it.”
After endorsing the state’s development of insurance culture, he implored the state government to always factor insurance whenever it is considering disbursement of funds either to farmers or traders in its poverty alleviation programmes.
“It is only with insurance that the government can guarantee business sustainability and evolving of funds for the future thus providing a safety net for the NMSMEs against unforeseen circumstances while securing millions of jobs and wealth creation.”
He also tasked the state to consider the issue of collapsed buildings that have continued to be one of the problems in big and major cities.
“The state agencies that approve and monitor construction should be given mandate to look into this matter and collaborate with other agencies like the Town Planning Authority, Fire Service, Police etc and relevant professional associations like COREN some of which should be co-opted into the committee.”
Speaking on the rationale, he said “This will ensure that provisions of the law regarding the insurance of public buildings against 3rd party liability and all buildings under construction that are above 2 floors are strictly adhered to.”
NAICOM boss also advised the state government to lead by example “by ensuring that it adequately protects its assets and liabilities by affecting appropriate insurance covers.”
