Omosehin Urges Practical Solutions to Secure Future of Brown Card Scheme

The CFI, Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin with the Chairman, Council of Bureaux, ECOWAS Brown Card Scheme, Mr Habib Dia and the Permanent Secretary General, ECOWAS Brown Card, Mr Winfred Kwasi Dodzih

The Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive Officer of the National Insurance Commission, Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, has declared that the future of cross-border motor insurance in West Africa will depend on digital transformation, regulatory discipline, and unwavering regional collaboration.
Speaking at the First Zonal Meeting of the ECOWAS Brown Card Scheme held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Omosehin set a bold agenda for reform, warning that inefficiencies—particularly delays in claims settlement—could undermine public confidence in the Scheme.
The high-level gathering brought together Commissioners of Insurance from member states, leaders of National Bureaux, insurance executives, and regional stakeholders at a time when the industry is under pressure to modernise and deliver seamless cross-border protection.
A Scheme at the Heart of Regional Integration
Omosehin described the ECOWAS Brown Card Scheme as more than an insurance mechanism, calling it a “symbol of trust and cooperation” among member states. He noted that the Scheme plays a vital role in facilitating the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) protocol on the free movement of persons and goods.
According to him, the Scheme provides a critical safety net for motorists travelling across borders, ensuring that victims of road accidents are compensated without unnecessary legal or financial hurdles.
“In a region striving for economic integration, the Brown Card Scheme remains one of the most practical tools for protecting citizens while promoting mobility,” he said.
Nigeria’s Reform Push Strengthens Framework
Highlighting Nigeria’s commitment, Omosehin pointed to the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act, 2025, as a game-changer for the Scheme’s operations. The legislation, he explained, introduces a flexible and principles-based regulatory regime while formally strengthening the regulatory Bureau.
The reform is expected to enhance governance, improve compliance, and reinforce the credibility of Nigeria’s participation in the regional insurance framework.
Industry observers say the move positions Nigeria as a leading voice in shaping the future of cross-border insurance within the sub-region.
Claims Settlement: The Trust Deficit
A major concern raised by the NAICOM boss was the persistent issue of delayed claims settlement across member countries. He stressed that the Scheme’s success hinges on the ability of insurers and National Bureaux to honour valid claims promptly and fairly.The CFI, Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin with the Chairman, Council of Bureaux, ECOWAS Brown Card Scheme, Mr. Habib Dia

He outlined three critical priorities: strict adherence to operational guidelines, timely settlement of claims, and stronger regulatory collaboration.
“Any delay or inconsistency in claims settlement erodes trust and weakens the entire system,” Omosehin warned, calling for renewed commitment from all stakeholders.
Digital Transformation Takes Centre Stage
With the meeting themed around managing the digital divide in operational strategy, Omosehin underscored the urgency of embracing technology to improve efficiency.
He noted that digitalisation could significantly enhance certificate verification, streamline claims processing, improve data sharing, and strengthen fraud detection mechanisms.
However, he cautioned against a fragmented approach to technology adoption, highlighting risks such as poor data governance, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and a lack of interoperability across member states.
“The transition must be deliberate and coordinated. Technology should unify our processes—not create new barriers,” he stated.
Regional Cooperation as the Cornerstone
Omosehin emphasised that no country can operate the Scheme effectively in isolation, stressing that its success depends on mutual trust, reciprocity, and collective discipline.
He described zonal meetings as critical platforms for resolving operational challenges, aligning regulatory standards, and sharing best practices among member states.
Analysts note that stronger collaboration could unlock new opportunities for insurance penetration and deepen financial inclusion across West Africa.
Protecting Citizens, Driving Growth
At its core, the Commissioner reiterated, the Brown Card Scheme exists to protect ordinary road users. He stressed that motorists must have confidence that compensation mechanisms will work efficiently in the event of accidents beyond their home countries.
“When the Scheme delivers on its promise, it strengthens public trust in insurance and contributes to economic stability and social protection across the region,” he said.
Call for Action
Closing his address, Omosehin urged participants to move beyond dialogue and focus on actionable solutions that will enhance the Scheme’s sustainability and effectiveness.
The Lagos meeting is expected to produce key resolutions aimed at modernising operations, bridging the digital gap, and reinforcing the Scheme’s role as a driver of regional integration.
As West Africa accelerates its integration agenda, stakeholders say the success of the ECOWAS Brown Card Scheme could serve as a benchmark for other regional insurance initiatives across the continent.
NAICOM Commissioner Olusegun Ayo Omosehin calls for digital transformation, faster claims settlement, and stronger regional collaboration to strengthen the ECOWAS Brown Card Scheme at a pivotal Lagos meeting.
At the ECOWAS Brown Card Scheme Zonal Meeting in Lagos, NAICOM boss Olusegun Ayo Omosehin urges digital reform, improved claims settlement, and regional cooperation to boost cross-border insurance efficiency.