The Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) is seeking stronger contributions from its technical committees to improve industry advocacy, influence regulatory decisions and address emerging challenges in the insurance sector.
Ebelechukwu Nwachukwu, chairman of the association, said the committees must take a more proactive approach to identifying industry issues, developing practical solutions and providing strategic recommendations to guide the association’s decisions.
She made the call at a meeting with chairmen and secretaries of the NIA’s technical committees, where the association’s leadership reviewed their activities and discussed ways to improve their effectiveness.
Nwachukwu commended the committees for their contributions to the association and the development of the insurance industry but said they needed to demonstrate greater commitment, innovation and responsiveness in carrying out their responsibilities.
She explained that the recommendations produced by the committees were important to the NIA Governing Council, particularly in making decisions on market conduct guidelines, regulatory policies and other matters affecting the industry.
According to her, the insurance sector must move away from responding to developments after they occur and become more actively involved in shaping policies and economic discussions that affect businesses and other sectors.
“As insurers, we must not be reactive but proactive in driving conversations around policies and developments affecting the economy and its various sectors. As risk bearers, we have a critical role to play in providing insights and solutions that promote economic stability and resilience,” she said.
The NIA chairman also called for stronger collaboration and knowledge-sharing among the committees, noting that their combined expertise could help the association respond more effectively to emerging risks, regulatory challenges and opportunities within the market.
She said the association needed to strengthen its influence in advancing the collective interests of insurers, adding that technical committees should take the lead in developing recommendations and engaging relevant stakeholders on issues affecting the industry.
Nwachukwu further noted that the performance of the committees would have implications for the association’s ability to advocate industry reforms, improve stakeholder confidence and contribute to Nigeria’s broader economic development.
The emphasis on stronger technical committee engagement comes as the insurance industry continues to contend with changing regulatory expectations, emerging risks and the need for policies that support sustainable market development.
The NIA, as the umbrella body for insurance companies in Nigeria, relies on its technical committees to provide industry expertise and recommendations on issues requiring collective positions and engagement with regulators and other stakeholders.
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