Yemisi Izuora
The new President of Institute of Loss Adjusters of Nigeria, ILAN, Pastor Diipo Olanrewaju, has prepared a new agenda that will help the institute discourage quackery in the system.
He also said that efforts would be made to review upwards rate charged by Adjusters in line with current economic realities.
While emphasizing the need for members to collaborate to make the institute formidable, Olanrewaju, said these unregistered loss adjusters go by other names such as consultants and surveyors.
He noted that while they are not expected to adjust claims they are unfortunately engaged by underwriters.
In his acceptance speech after being elect d at the ILAN October 2022, Annual General Meeting, AGM, the president said his administration will not hesitate to report such underwriters, adding, “We shall strive to eliminate the unregistered loss adjusters in the Industry.”
Speaking on its constitution, the president said, “It is unfortunate that our constitution remains unperfected and unavailable to members. We shall vigorously look into this and make it handy to all members.
He also, recalled that efforts have been made in this direction by the past administrations to obtain the Institute Charter, stressing, “We all agree that this is long overdue and we will continue to direct efforts towards having our Institute Charter.”
He also lamented that the global economy has consistently affected the income of Loss Adjusters greatly, thus, the rate that was approved in October 1992, that is about 30 years ago, can no longer pay adjusters bills. “It is highly necessary for this to be reviewed upward. We shall achieve this with constant meetings with the NIA Council.”
He complained about Members lack of commitment to meetings, saying, “Our Institute cannot progress at the pace we want unless our members take time off their tight schedules to attend meetings. It is indeed our collective responsibility to make some sacrifices. In the past, the CEO monthly meeting was active but today, attendance at meetings is nothing to compared with what it used to be.
We must bear in mind that decisions are taken at these meetings and these decisions will impact every member of the Institute despite your absence from the respective meetings.”
To this end, he urged every member to be intentional about attending meetings and events. On our part, the executive arm/council will do everything to renew the interest of individuals in the activities of the Institute.
On membership he said, “It goes without saying that our strength lies in our membership. Unfortunately, even within the Institute, we do not have records of individuals engaged in our members’ firms. Whilst we are interested in opening the window to prospective external members, staff of all members’ firms need to register with the Institute for good order, proper planning and development.
The membership advantages are numerous and should not be taken for granted. As I stated, we shall also not close our doors to prospective members willing to come into the profession and our Institute, and we will advance working relationship with CIIN towards commencing the examination exercise as the immediate president has said in his speech.”