Yemisi Izuora
The Nigerian Insurance industry rebranding project has finally taken off.
Flagging off the initiative in Lagos, the vice chairman, publicity sub-committee of the Insurers Committee, Mrs. Ebelechukwu Nwachukwu, said that N300million has been budgeted for this initial three year plan which will come in three phases.
She said that the rebranding initiative is aimed at changing the negative perception of Nigerians about insurance services. Nwachukwu, who is also the managing director, NSIA Insurance Limited, noted that operators will have the opportunity to educate and enlighten the people on insurance so that they can see the need to insure.
The exercise will also focus on changing the mindset of Nigerians on the business of Insurance, and to educate the public on the importance, values and benefits of insurance.
According to her, “what we are starting today is the year one and phase one of the project. We are going to be showcasing all the insurance companies in Nigeria and all the CEOs and we are going to equally be showcasing all insurance products.” While assuring that throughout the duration of the rebranding project, the sector will enlighten the insured on how to lodge a claim, she urged people to always read their insurance policy documents which gives direction on how to make a claim.
In the same vein, director-general, Nigeria Insurers Association (NIA), Mrs. Yetunde Ilori pointed out that adequate research was conducted before the commencement of this initiative, saying, the research allows the industry to understand the past, the present and where to be in future.
The insurance rebranding project is an innovation of the Insurers’ Committee, comprising of the managers of the 58 registered insurance companies as well as the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), aimed at deepening insurance acceptance and penetration through massive insurance education and awareness across all states of the federation, even though, Lagos and Abuja are expected to be the pilot states