Yemisi Izuora
The Nigerian Insurance Industry is set to host about 250 foreign and local delegates for the 2025 West Africa Insurance Companies Association (WAICA) Education Conference.
The conference is scheduled to take place from Sunday, 12 October to Wednesday, 15 October 2025 at the Grand Ballroom of Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.
This year’s conference, organized by the Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) with the theme “The West African Insurer in the Face of Climate Change,” will bring togetherinsurance practitioners, regulators, policymakers, and thought leaders representing countries across the West African sub-region.
Member countries of WAICA, namely Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and The Gambia, will be represented, making the conference a truly regional platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and collaboration.
The conference will provide a strategic platform for deliberations on the impact of climate change on the insurance industry, as well as actionable strategies to safeguard the future of insurance education and practice.
It is particularly important for African insurers to engage in robust discussions on climate change, as the continent faces unique vulnerabilities such as extreme weather events, flooding, drought, and agricultural disruptions that directly impact businesses, communities, and livelihoods.
For insurers, these challenges translate into rising claims, increased risk exposures, and the urgent need for innovative products and risk management strategies. By coming together at the WAICA conference, African insurers not only strengthen their collective preparedness but also position themselves to engage competitively with their global counterparts in shaping sustainable insurance practices and climate resilience solutions.
Lagos State, Nigeria’s commercial hub and one of Africa’s most vibrant megacities, was carefully selected as the host destination of the conference for its unique blend of business dynamism, cultural heritage, and world-class hospitality infrastructure. With its strategic role as a financial hub, Lagos provides an ideal environment for fostering cross-border collaboration and knowledge exchange among West Africa’s insurance community.
On Sunday, 12 October 2025, the WAICA 2025 conference will begin with a Cocktail Welcome Reception at the Insurers House, Victoria Island, in Lagos.
The Minister of State, Ministry of Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, has confirmed to deliver the keynote address at the Opening Ceremony of the conference on Monday, 13 October 2025, while Mr. Olusegun Omosehin, Commissioner for Insurance, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) is the Chief Host.
The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 2025 WAICA Education Conference has assembled an array of eminentlocal and international insurance industry leaders, dignitaries, and technical experts who will speak on and critically dissect the theme and various sub-themes of the conference. These include:
• Dr. Abiba Zakaria, Ag. Commissioner of Insurance, Ghana
• Mr. Wole Oshin, Group Managing Director, Custodian Investment Plc
• Mr. Bockarie Kaloko, Deputy Minister of Finance, Republic of Sierra Leone
• Ms. Tola Adegbayi, MD/CEO, Mutual Specialist
Following the paper presentations, three panel sessions will be held and chaired respectively by:
• Mr. O.S. Thomas, Former Commissioner for Insurance, NAICOM
• Alhaji Mohammed Kari, Former Commissioner for Insurance (NAICOM)/Wazirin, Bauchi
• Ms. Olamipo Adeola, Head, Corporate Communication & Branding, Scib Nigeria & Co. Ltd.
Other programme highlights of the conference include:
• Monday Evening Soiree – On 13 October 2025, Sponsored by Africa Reinsurance Corporation, at Eko Hotel & Suites.
• Closing Dinner Ceremony – Tuesday, 14 October 2025 at Eko Hotel & Suites, sponsored by WAICA Reinsurance Corporation, at Eko Hotel & Suites.
• Visit to Tourist Sites/ Departure – Wednesday, 15 October 2025.
The LOC have put in place adequate arrangements for the transportation and security of foreign delegates and other participants at the conference to ensure a seamless and safe experience throughout their stay in Lagos.
The 2025 WAICA Education Conference promises to be a landmark event, reinforcing regional cooperation and highlighting the critical role of insurers in responding to climate challenges while offering delegates a unique opportunity to experience the dynamism of Lagos.