Lagos: The newly-inaugurated 23rd President of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Mrs. Ekeoma Ezeibe, has announced plans to expand insurance awareness across Nigeria. She revealed that the initiative would commence in Abia, serving as the pilot location for a national insurance penetration drive. Ezeibe outlined her strategic roadmap for the council during a news conference in Lagos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ezeibe emphasized that her administration would utilize the NCRIB's six area committees as primary agents to enhance insurance penetration and promote financial protection nationwide. She noted that the founding fathers of NCRIB established these committees to bring the council's activities closer to the populace. Under her leadership, these committees will not merely replicate the central programs but will act as catalysts for real insurance growth throughout Nigeria.
Ezeibe highlighted that the initiative would align with the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act 2025 (NIIRA 2025), which expanded compulsory insurance policies and fortified NAICOM's enforcement powers. She mentioned the intent to leverage the new Act to increase compulsory insurances and empower NAICOM to enforce compliance effectively.
The decision to start with Abia was intentional, given its economic activity and ongoing infrastructure revival. Ezeibe noted that insurance awareness is higher in the Southwest, whereas many commercial hubs in the Southeast, such as Aba, remain underinsured. Aba, described as the 'commercial heartbeat of the East', was once a significant industrial hub hosting several multinational firms.
Launching in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory simultaneously was deemed unrealistic. Abia will serve as a test case, with plans to replicate the model nationwide upon achieving measurable success. Ezeibe noted Aba's history as a center for manufacturing and export businesses, particularly in leather and fashion goods. With infrastructure revival under Governor Alex Otti, the environment is now conducive for insurance growth.
Ezeibe praised the governor for his reforms, especially the independent power project by Geometrics and the modernization of Ariaria Market. The NCRIB plans to collaborate with the Abia government to promote compulsory insurance coverage and protect emerging investments, highlighting the importance of insurance in securing future opportunities and ensuring economic sustainability.
She reaffirmed her commitment to inclusive growth within NCRIB, ensuring no member is excluded from new business opportunities. Ezeibe pledged to work with underwriters and loss adjusters to ensure prompt claims settlement and build public trust in insurance. She also expressed her intention to enhance capacity building beyond the achievements of her predecessors.