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Leverage AfCFTA to grow insurance sector, AIO president charges insurers

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The President, Africa Insurance Organisations (AIO), Mr Tope Smart, on Tuesday charged stakeholders in Africa’s insurance industry to leverage  the opportunities offered by the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to grow the sector.

Smart said that maximising the opportunity offered by the trade would grow the insurance sector across the continent.

He spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) following his emergence as the new president of AIO at the recently concluded 47th AIO conference and Annual General Meeting in Lagos.

Smart said that AIO is a microcosm of AFCTA, with the cardinal objective of promoting cooperation among Africans in the insurance business.

“So, with AfCFTA, the removal of trade barriers will lead to increase in intra-African trade, which will lead to increase in demand for insurance across Africa.

“My responsibility is to engage stakeholders in the insurance sector in Africa to take advantage of this initiative to grow the sector,” he said.

Smart, also Managing Director/CEO, NEM Insurance Plc, urged market operators across the region to share information and experience among one another.

He said that such information would enable receiving markets to advance the growth of insurance in their domain.

On the five-point agenda he rolled out during his investiture, the AIO president said he would address the issue of low consumer trust to increase insurance penetration.

“This is a major barrier to the growth of insurance in Africa but payment of claim obligations by operators as and when due will address this issue.

“My administration’s five -point agenda, if well pursued, would increase the rate of insurance penetration across Africa.

“Wherever I stop, having laid a good foundation, I expect my successor to continue from there in the interest of insurance sector in Africa,” he said.

Smart described his emergence as president as a big honour to Nigeria, which  last occupied the position about 21 years ago.

He said the position presented him with an opportunity to come up with some initiatives that would change the narrative about the practice of insurance across Africa.

“It will also give me an opportunity to correct some negative conversations around insurance practice in Africa,” he said.

The AIO president appreciated all stakeholders in the industry for the massive support he got during his investiture.

NAN reports that Kenya has been nominated to host the 2022 AIO conference, where Smart will hand over the baton to a new president.(NAN)

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Business & Economy

Kaduna refinery will begin production in December – NNPCL Boss, Kyari

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The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL,Mele Kyari has disclosed that the refinery in Kaduna State will be ready for production by December 2024.

He disclosed this during a meeting with the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria and the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria in Abuja.

He disclosed that operations at the Port Harcourt refinery are scheduled to begin in two weeks.

According to Kyari: “We did a mechanical completion of the (Port Harcourt) refinery, that was what we said in December. We now have crude oil already stocked in the refinery. We are doing regulatory compliance tests that must happen in every refinery before you start it, and I assure you that this Port Harcourt refinery will start in the next two weeks.

“Completing the mechanical work means that you are done with the rehabilitation work, now you have to test to see how it works. Of course, we have also completed the mechanical work on the Warri refinery.

“It is also undergoing regulatory compliance; processes that we are doing with our regulator, and this will soon be completed and it will be ready.

“The Kaduna refinery will be ready by December. We have not reached that stage in Kaduna, but we promise Kaduna will be delivered by December.”

 

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Edun Blames Economic Hardship On Free Printing Of Naira During Buhari’s Govt

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Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, stated this on Wednesday when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Finance chaired by Senator Sani Musa.

The Federal Government has disclosed that the free printing of naira notes for eight years, under the previous administration went into the hands of a privileged few, without corresponding productivity, resulting in the country’s current economic situation.

Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, stated this on Wednesday when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Finance chaired by Senator Sani Musa.

While elaborating on measures to revamp the economy, the Finance minister vowed to thoroughly audit the 22.7 trillion naira, and mop up the monies from the market and use it to pay the central bank to give the government a balanced book.

Responding to questions, the finance minister addressed the issue of waivers on customs duty running into trillions of naira, promising to overhaul the system, rejig it and implement a technology and payment system that would correct all anomalies in place.

He further disclosed that a total of 13 trillion naira was collected as non-oil revenue in 2023.

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Harsh Economy: FG To Begin Distribution Of Grains Nationwide 

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The Federal Government will begin the distribution of grains nationwide to cushion the impacts of the hardship in Nigeria.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Senator Abubakar Kyari disclosed this on Monday.

“Dear Fellow Nigerians,” he wrote on his official X handle. “In these trying times, I extend my sincere compassion to those affected by the hardships in the country. I understand the gravity of the situation, especially with the unfortunate event of foodstuff warehouse looting.

“Amidst these challenges, I want to assure you that our commitment to your well-being remains resolute. We shall commence the distribution of 42,000 metric tons of grains, as approved by Mr. President, across the 36 states of the federation as one of the programs to be rolled out this week.

“We are working hand in hand with NEMA and the DSS to ensure that the grains get to the right people in the right packages and quantities. Furthermore, 58,500 metric tons of milled rice from mega rice millers will also be released into the market for stabilization.”

The minister who hailed the resilience of the Nigerian people, urged them to back President Bola Tinubu’s government in its quest to address the challenges facing the country.

“I acknowledge the strength of the Nigerian people, and it is this resilience that will guide us through these difficult times. Let us stand together to support Mr. President in his strive for a better Nigeria,” Kyari said.

“Our government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to addressing these challenges and working towards a more secure and prosperous future for all.”

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