L-R. Amb Allie E Bangura (Chairman Sierra Leone) Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin (Commissioner for Insurance National Insurance Commission) and Winfred K Dodzih (Permanent General Secretary ECOWAS Brown Card Insurance Scheme)
The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has intensified its push for a comprehensive transformation of the ECOWAS Brown Card Insurance Scheme, with top regional stakeholders rallying behind a shared vision to modernise operations, enhance claims efficiency, and deepen economic integration across West Africa.
At a high-level strategic engagement held in April 2026, regulators and industry leaders from across the sub-region converged under the coordination of the Council of Bureaux to reposition the scheme for greater effectiveness in an increasingly mobile and interconnected regional economy.
Speaking at the meeting, Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive of NAICOM, reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the scheme as a critical enabler of seamless cross-border movement and financial protection.
Omosehin emphasised that modernising the Brown Card Scheme aligns with broader regional objectives under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), particularly in facilitating trade, improving road safety, and protecting citizens across borders.
Regional Leadership Backs Reform Agenda
Also lending strong support was Allie E Bangura, Chairman representing Sierra Leone, who highlighted the importance of collective regional action in strengthening institutional frameworks and ensuring the scheme delivers tangible benefits to member states.
Bangura noted that the success of the Brown Card Scheme depends on trust, efficiency, and cooperation among participating countries, adding that reforms must focus on building a system that motorists and accident victims can rely on without hesitation.
Similarly, Winfred K Dodzih, Permanent General Secretary of the scheme, underscored the urgency of operational reforms, particularly in addressing long-standing inefficiencies in claims processing and documentation.
He stressed that the scheme must evolve to reflect current realities, including rising cross-border traffic and the need for technology-driven solutions that ensure faster service delivery and improved transparency.
Digital Transformation Takes Centre Stage
A major highlight of the engagement was the renewed commitment to digitalising the Brown Card system. Stakeholders agreed on the need to deploy integrated digital platforms for policy issuance, verification, and claims management.
This shift is expected to reduce fraud, eliminate delays, and enable real-time validation of insurance certificates across member countries—significantly improving user experience for motorists.
Fixing Claims and Building Confidence
Participants also identified the need to overhaul claims settlement mechanisms, which have historically been plagued by delays and inconsistencies. NAICOM and its regional counterparts pledged to introduce stricter timelines, clearer procedures, and enhanced monitoring systems to ensure prompt and fair compensation for accident victims.
These reforms are seen as critical to restoring public confidence in the scheme and reinforcing its role as a safety net for cross-border travellers.
Strengthening Regulatory Alignment
Another key outcome of the meeting was a renewed focus on regulatory harmonisation. Stakeholders agreed that strict adherence to unified operational standards across all member states is essential to maintaining the integrity and credibility of the scheme.
NAICOM reiterated its readiness to collaborate with other national bureaux to enforce compliance and promote best practices across the region.
Catalyst for Trade and Integration
Established under the 1982 ECOWAS Protocol, the Brown Card Insurance Scheme remains a cornerstone of regional integration, providing a unified third-party motor insurance cover across 14 member states.
By guaranteeing compensation for victims of accidents involving foreign motorists, the scheme plays a pivotal role in facilitating trade, enhancing mobility, and reducing the risks associated with cross-border travel.
With renewed political will, strong institutional backing, and a clear focus on digital innovation, stakeholders say the ongoing reforms could redefine the future of cross-border insurance in West Africa—unlocking new opportunities for economic growth, safety, and regional cooperation.
NAICOM, ECOWAS leaders, and regional stakeholders move to digitise the Brown Card Scheme, improve claims settlement, and strengthen cross-border insurance for trade and mobility in West Africa.
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