The newly elected 53rd President of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) Nigeria (CIIN), Akinjide Orimolade, has unveiled an ambitious roadmap aimed at transforming the country’s insurance profession through digital innovation, stronger ethical standards, enhanced professional development and a nationwide campaign to improve public confidence in insurance.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Ameh News, the CIIN President said his administration would focus on transforming the profession, its people and its processes while positioning insurance as a key pillar of Nigeria’s financial security and economic resilience.

The Ameh News Interview with the 53rd President of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN)

1. As you assume office as the 53rd President of CIIN, what are your top strategic priorities for strengthening insurance professionalism, increasing public trust, and accelerating insurance penetration across Nigeria over the next two years?

Answer: My focus is on transforming the insurance profession, its people, and its processes. We will strengthen professionalism through enhanced member engagement, digital learning, mentorship, and a modernised examination system.

To build public trust, we will launch the InsureNigeria Awareness Campaign, showcasing real-life insurance success stories from across the country to demonstrate the value of insurance in everyday life.

We will also accelerate insurance penetration through strategic partnerships, insurance education initiatives, and innovation-driven programmes that make insurance more accessible, affordable, and relevant to Nigerians.

By leveraging technology, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement, we aim to position insurance as an essential tool for financial security, economic resilience, and national development.

2. Nigeria’s insurance industry is undergoing rapid digital transformation, regulatory reforms, and changing customer expectations. How does CIIN plan to equip insurance professionals with the skills and ethical standards needed to remain globally competitive while supporting the industry’s growth?

Answer: CIIN is committed to preparing insurance professionals for the future through our InsurTech Learning Curriculum, which will focus on emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital distribution, embedded insurance, data analytics, and other evolving industry trends.

This will be complemented by structured mentorship programmes, continuous professional development initiatives, and thought leadership platforms, including the CIIN Podcast, to promote knowledge sharing and industry dialogue.

While embracing innovation, we will continue to uphold the highest ethical standards, ensuring that professionalism, integrity, transparency, and customer trust remain at the core of the insurance profession.

Our goal is to develop a new generation of insurance professionals who are globally competitive, technologically proficient, and capable of delivering sustainable value to customers, the insurance industry, and the Nigerian economy.

The new leadership comes at a critical period for Nigeria’s insurance industry, which is undergoing sweeping regulatory reforms, rapid digital transformation and growing customer expectations. Industry stakeholders have repeatedly stressed that increasing insurance penetration requires not only stronger regulation but also greater public confidence and a more technologically skilled workforce.

Three Strategic Priorities

According to Orimolade, the institute’s immediate priorities over the next two years will centre on strengthening professionalism, rebuilding public trust and accelerating insurance penetration across the country.

He explained that CIIN intends to deepen member engagement through expanded digital learning opportunities, mentorship programmes and modernised professional examinations that will prepare insurance practitioners for the evolving business environment.

To address the persistent trust deficit affecting insurance adoption, the institute plans to launch the InsureNigeria Awareness Campaign, a nationwide initiative designed to showcase real-life success stories of insurance claims and demonstrate the practical value of insurance protection to individuals and businesses.

The President added that the institute would also pursue strategic partnerships and insurance education programmes that make insurance products more accessible, understandable and relevant to millions of Nigerians.

Preparing Professionals for the Digital Era

Recognising the growing influence of technology on financial services, the CIIN President said the institute would introduce a comprehensive InsurTech Learning Curriculum covering emerging technologies including Artificial Intelligence, digital distribution, embedded insurance and other evolving industry trends.

Beyond technical skills, he stressed that ethical conduct would remain central to the institute’s agenda, noting that innovation must be accompanied by integrity, professionalism and customer protection.

Orimolade disclosed that mentorship initiatives, continuous professional development programmes and the CIIN Podcast would be expanded to equip practitioners with global best practices while encouraging knowledge sharing across the industry.

Building a More Competitive Insurance Industry

The CIIN President believes Nigeria can produce insurance professionals capable of competing globally if the industry embraces technology while maintaining high ethical standards.

According to him, the institute’s objective is to develop a new generation of professionals who combine digital competence with strong professional values, enabling them to deliver greater value to customers and support sustainable industry growth.

Why It Matters

Nigeria continues to record one of the lowest insurance penetration rates in Africa despite being the continent’s largest economy by population. Analysts have consistently identified low public awareness, limited trust, inadequate financial literacy and insufficient product innovation as major barriers to industry growth.

The CIIN’s renewed emphasis on public education, digital capacity building and ethical professionalism is therefore expected to complement ongoing regulatory reforms by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and support broader efforts to deepen insurance inclusion.

If effectively implemented, the institute’s strategy could help strengthen confidence in the insurance sector, improve professional standards and position insurance as an essential financial safety net for households and businesses across Nigeria.

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Nigeria’s aviation sector is heading toward a potential nationwide shutdown as the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) warns that domestic airlines may suspend operations from April 20, 2026, over the spiralling cost of Jet A1 fuel.
The gravity of the crisis came into sharp national focus during a live broadcast of Beyond the Headlines on TVC News, where anchor Precious Amayo, standing in for Nifemi Oguntoye, engaged industry stakeholders in a probing and revealing conversation that exposed deep cracks in Nigeria’s aviation fuel supply chain.
A Crisis Unfolds on Live Television
Opening the programme, Amayo set the tone with urgency, outlining how the dramatic surge in aviation fuel prices could cripple domestic air travel and disrupt economic activities nationwide.
With pointed questions and steady moderation, she guided viewers through the unfolding crisis—challenging industry claims, seeking clarity on alleged supply shortages, and interrogating the role of marketers in the price surge.
Her central question—“Who is behind this surge, and what does it mean for Nigerians?”—captured the national concern as millions of travellers brace for possible disruptions.
Airlines Sound the Alarm
Responding to the concerns, Dr Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines and spokesperson for AON, confirmed that operators are nearing a breaking point.
According to him, Jet A1 prices have skyrocketed from about ₦900 per litre in February to between ₦2,700 and ₦3,300 per litre—an increase of over 300 per cent.
He stressed that such a spike is inconsistent with global crude oil trends, which have risen by only about 30 per cent within the same period.
“This is not sustainable for any airline business,” Okonkwo said during the interview.
Government Yet to Convene Emergency Talks
Amayo also pressed for clarity on government intervention, referencing an earlier statement by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who had called for an emergency stakeholders’ meeting.
Okonkwo confirmed that the meeting had yet to take place due to the Minister’s absence from the country, even as industry players continue internal deliberations.
Dangote Refinery and the Price Disconnect
A key focus of the discussion was the role of the Dangote Refinery, which currently supplies over 95 per cent of Nigeria’s aviation fuel.
While operators acknowledged the refinery as a “lifesaver,” Amayo pushed for clarity on why pump prices remain excessively high despite relatively stable depot pricing.
Okonkwo explained that Dangote’s depot prices are transparent and issued weekly, but the final cost to airlines—after distribution—has been inflated beyond reasonable margins.
Allegations of Racketeering and Collusion
In one of the most critical moments of the interview, Amayo confronted the issue of alleged collusion between major marketers and unregulated suppliers.
She highlighted the contradiction between claims of scarcity by established marketers and the simultaneous availability of fuel at inflated prices from unofficial sources.
Okonkwo did not dismiss the possibility.
“That’s what it looks like, and we are the ones paying the price,” he said, reinforcing industry suspicions of racketeering within the supply chain.
He further noted that there has been no official indication from the refinery of supply shortages, raising questions about the authenticity of the scarcity narrative.
Impact on Passengers and the Economy
Amayo steered the conversation toward the implications for ordinary Nigerians, asking whether passengers should brace for higher fares or seek alternative travel options.
In response, operators warned that ticket prices for a one-hour domestic flight could rise to as much as ₦500,000 if current fuel costs persist.
Such a development, they said, would not only price out most travellers but also trigger wider economic consequences, affecting jobs, banking obligations, and government revenues tied to aviation.
Industry Resilience Under Strain
Reflecting on past challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Amayo noted the sector’s resilience and questioned how it compares to the current crisis.
Okonkwo revealed that Nigeria’s aviation industry was among the fastest to recover globally post-pandemic, despite receiving minimal government support.
However, he emphasised that the current fuel crisis, combined with high interest rates, multiple taxes, and foreign exchange pressures, poses an even greater threat.
Safety Concerns: Bird Strikes on the Rise
Beyond fuel costs, the interview also exposed growing safety concerns, particularly the increasing frequency of bird strikes at Nigerian airports.
Amayo referenced a recent incident involving United Nigeria Airlines, prompting Okonkwo to disclose that such occurrences have become alarmingly common, with multiple incidents recorded within days.
He warned that the trend poses serious operational and safety risks, further compounding the industry’s challenges.
Call for Immediate Regulatory Action
Closing the conversation, Amayo reiterated the urgency of the situation, while AON called on regulators to investigate the fuel market, identify culprits, and restore transparency.
Operators insist that their warning is not a threat but a necessary step to prevent total collapse.
As the April 20 deadline approaches, the aviation sector—and indeed the nation—awaits decisive action to prevent a shutdown that could ground flights, disrupt businesses, and deepen economic uncertainty.
On TVC News, Precious Amayo exposes Nigeria’s aviation fuel crisis as airlines warn of an April 20 shutdown, citing 300% Jet A1 price surge and alleged market racketeering.

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Redesigned passenger flow for efficient check-ins and touchpoints

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The Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, disclosed this in an interview, noting that the funds were deployed to meet short-term financing needs across key sectors, including manufacturing, energy and agriculture.
According to Agama, the sustained activity in the commercial paper segment reflects the market’s ability to support businesses with flexible funding options while reinforcing confidence in Nigeria’s regulatory environment.

“Commercial paper issuance remained vibrant, with more than ₦753 billion raised to support short-term funding requirements across diverse sectors of the economy,” the SEC chief said.

He further revealed that the debt capital market recorded landmark transactions during the period under review, including the ₦500 billion Climate Funding Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) and the ₦200 billion Elektron Finance bond issuance, signalling increased appetite for infrastructure development and sustainable finance investments.

“These figures go beyond statistics. They reflect trust in our regulatory framework and the strength of Nigeria’s capital market architecture,” Agama stated.

The SEC Director-General explained that the strong performance of commercial papers formed part of broader capital-raising activities approved by the Commission across debt, equity and short-term instruments, highlighting the market’s depth and adaptability.

“Between April and October 2025, the Commission approved significant transactions across multiple segments of the market, demonstrating its capacity to mobilise capital for economic growth and development,” he said.

Agama also pointed to recent macroeconomic improvements, including Nigeria’s sovereign credit rating upgrade and the country’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, describing them as positive signals to both domestic and foreign investors.

“These developments signal renewed confidence in the Nigerian economy and are expected to attract stronger capital inflows while enhancing financial market stability,” he noted.

On inflation, the SEC boss observed that easing price pressures had created opportunities for product innovation, urging market operators to shift from policy formulation to execution.

“This is a call to action. Innovation must move from paper to practice. Market frameworks must translate into real products and accessible platforms that meet the needs of today’s investors,” he stressed.

Addressing recent market volatility, Agama acknowledged the sharp downturn in November, when the Nigerian Exchange lost about ₦6.54 trillion in market capitalisation, attributing the decline to profit-taking ahead of the proposed 30 per cent Capital Gains Tax, weak sentiment in banking stocks and global economic uncertainties.

He, however, noted that the market rebounded following policy reassurances, adding that the Exchange remains strongly positive year-to-date.
“Despite the November volatility, the market’s overall performance reflects its underlying robustness and resilience,” he said.

Agama also highlighted the migration of the equities settlement cycle from T+3 to T+2, describing it as a significant reform aligned with global best practices.
“Shorter settlement cycles enhance liquidity, reduce counterparty risk and accelerate the reinvestment of capital,” he explained, adding that the SEC plans to advance to T+1 and ultimately T+0 settlement.

According to him, these reforms—alongside efforts to deepen commodity trading and expand bond market participation—will strengthen Nigeria’s position as a leading investment destination in Africa.

“The time for passive observation is over. Our collective responsibility is to activate these opportunities and position the Nigerian capital market as a true engine of inclusive and sustainable growth,” Agama concluded.

Nigeria’s capital market raised over ₦753bn through commercial paper issuances between April and October 2025, as SEC DG Emomotimi Agama highlights rising investor confidence, major debt market deals and ongoing capital market reforms.

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In an exclusive interview with Ibrahim Bello, International Terminal Manager of the Maiduguri International Airport, he described the project as a symbol of renewed collaboration between the Borno State Government, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

According to Bello, the initiative began when Governor Babagana Umara Zulum personally met with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, to discuss upgrading the state’s aviation infrastructure. The minister subsequently visited the airport with key aviation agencies, including FAAN, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), to conduct a facility assessment that birthed a comprehensive redevelopment plan.

“The governor took it upon himself to execute the physical construction, while FAAN provided the technical drawings, equipment, and manpower,” Bello said. “We are now fully ready, because many of the key facilities have already been installed.”

Modern Infrastructure and Passenger Comfort

The upgraded terminal represents a complete modernization of airport infrastructure in Nigeria’s northeast. It now features digital check-in counters integrated with weighing scales, advanced security screening systems, automated conveyor belts, and a fully equipped passenger carousel.

With a new passenger holding capacity of 500 people, up from less than 300 previously, the airport can now handle multiple airline operations simultaneously without congestion.

“Maiduguri now has the capacity to support more than two or three scheduled flights at once,” Bello added. “Passengers will experience world-class convenience comparable to major city airports.”

Strategic Regional Advantage

Geographically, Maiduguri’s location provides unmatched access to the Lake Chad Basin, a key trade zone bordering three countries. Bello highlighted that the airport is Nigeria’s only airport that shares borders with Chad, Cameroon, and Niger, giving it a unique strategic advantage for regional air connectivity and cargo operations.

“This positioning gives Maiduguri a competitive edge to become a regional hub,” he explained. “We are conducting route analyses for flights to N’Djamena, Yaoundé, and Niamey. We also hope to reconnect with Central Africa’s historic trade corridors—routes that once thrived during the Trans-Saharan trade era.”

The terminal manager disclosed that discussions are ongoing with domestic and regional airlines that have expressed interest in operating from Maiduguri once international operations commence.

Security, Agencies, and Border Preparedness

Security remains a top priority, and Bello assured that the airport enjoys robust security coordination between the Nigerian Air Force, Immigration, Customs, DSS, and other security units.“We have multi-layered security here. The Air Force, the strike group, and civilian patrol units work together to keep the airport safe,” he said.

All necessary border control facilities for international operations, including customs, immigration, and quarantine offices, are being finalized as part of the new design layout.

Hajj Operations and Humanitarian Aviation

Maiduguri International Airport continues to play a major role in Hajj operations, serving both Borno and Yobe States, despite lacking a dedicated Hajj terminal due to the military’s occupation of the facility during the insurgency years.

“We’ve managed Hajj and domestic flights simultaneously, and with FAAN’s support, we’ve handled operations seamlessly,” Bello said. “We’ve successfully conducted two Hajj operations since I assumed duty here.”

In addition to scheduled commercial flights, the airport hosts non-scheduled humanitarian operations for international organizations like United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS), World Food Programme (WFP), Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)—a testament to its critical role in humanitarian logistics across the region.

Cargo and Economic Opportunities

Bello also emphasized the huge cargo potential of Maiduguri Airport, driven by the region’s livestock trade, agricultural exports, and proximity to regional markets. The airport, he noted, already serves as a central point for Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, and Yola—states with strong agricultural bases.

“We’re in discussions with the Ministry of Livestock and other private investors to establish structured cargo operations,” he revealed. “Maiduguri’s location is perfect for both domestic and international cargo, especially in agro-exports and livestock logistics.”

Runway Maintenance and Future Projections

The airport’s runway has been well maintained and improved with FAAN’s support, allowing it to handle modern aircraft with ease. Bello added that initial regional operations would likely begin with medium-range aircraft such as Embraer and Bombardier jets, catering to the growing passenger base in the region.

“Many people who currently travel to Chad and Niger by road will embrace air travel once the flights start,” he said. “Our projections show steady passenger growth once international routes are launched.”

A New Gateway for Northeast Nigeria

With its modernized facilities, strategic location, and robust inter-agency cooperation, Maiduguri International Airport is set to become a cornerstone of Nigeria’s regional aviation development, enhancing trade, tourism, and economic integration across the Lake Chad Basin and Central Africa.

“This project is not just about infrastructure—it’s about connecting people, economies, and opportunities,” Bello concluded. “Maiduguri is ready for takeoff into a new era.”

Maiduguri International Airport 100% completed of its major modernization project, set to transform into a regional aviation hub linking Nigeria with Chad, Cameroon, and Niger, driving trade and connectivity across the Lake Chad Basin.

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The Nigerian insurance industry witnessed a defining moment in leadership and gender inclusion as the Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, delivered an inspiring address at the investiture of Mrs. Ekeoma Esther Ezeibe as the 23rd President of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB).

The colorful ceremony, held at the Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, drew the crème de la crème of Nigeria’s insurance and financial sectors, including top regulators, brokers, underwriters, and industry stakeholders who gathered to celebrate Mrs. Ezeibe’s ascension as the third female president in the Council’s 63-year history.

Omosehin’s message was both celebratory and directional — a call for renewed professionalism, digital transformation, and inclusive growth that will define the next phase of Nigeria’s insurance evolution.

“Today, we celebrate not just a new chapter for the NCRIB but the remarkable journey of a woman whose career embodies excellence, resilience, and visionary leadership,” the Commissioner said.

Appreciation for Outgoing President and Salute to Broking Excellence

Mr. Omosehin began his address with deep appreciation to the immediate past NCRIB President, Prince Babatunde Oguntade, whose tenure, he said, was marked by “integrity, foresight, and unwavering commitment to advancing the standards of the broking profession.”

He extended gratitude to all registered brokers across the country for their enduring professionalism, noting that their commitment to ethical conduct and client-centric service remains the foundation of the industry’s success.

“To every broker who continues to uphold the core values of professionalism, integrity, and client service — I thank you. Your dedication sustains the credibility of our market,” he noted.

Celebrating a Trailblazer: Ekeoma Ezeibe’s Strategic Leadership

The Commissioner hailed Mrs. Ezeibe’s rise as a beacon of inclusion and transformation, describing her as a leader whose strategic depth and innovative mindset have already left a mark on the insurance ecosystem.

As Chairperson of the Nigerian Insurance Industry Committee on AfCFTA (NII-AfCFTA), Mrs. Ezeibe played a key role in positioning the Nigerian insurance sector to leverage opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) through policy advocacy, capacity building, and awareness campaigns.

“Her emergence as NCRIB President is not only a symbol of progress but a testament to her strategic impact in advancing the industry’s continental agenda,” Omosehin emphasized.

Leadership Imperatives for the Future

Mr. Omosehin used the occasion to outline critical leadership imperatives that, in his view, must define the next phase of the NCRIB’s journey and the broader insurance landscape:

1. Education: Strengthening the knowledge base of practitioners through professional development and stakeholder enlightenment.
2. Ethics: Upholding transparency, honesty, and integrity as the cornerstone of every insurance transaction.
3. Public Confidence: Building trust through consistency, accountability, and fairness in service delivery.

He stressed that the insurance industry thrives on trust, noting that “in insurance, perception and performance are inseparable — trust grows only when our actions meet stakeholder expectations.”

The Changing Risk Landscape: The Broker’s Role in a New Era

In a world of emerging risks — from cyber threats to climate change — brokers must evolve to meet clients’ changing needs, the Commissioner observed.

He called for a shift from product-driven sales to client-first advisory services, emphasizing that brokers must ensure clarity in policy wordings, adopt data-driven approaches to claims handling, and promote affordable microinsurance products for the informal and low-income sectors.

“The reputation of our market is inseparable from the reputation of its brokers,” Omosehin warned. “Professionalization through training, peer review, and ethical accountability will determine how far we go.”

NAICOM’s Regulatory Agenda: Trust, Technology, and Transformation

Reiterating the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM)’s priorities, Omosehin reaffirmed the regulator’s commitment to fostering innovation, protecting policyholders, and building public trust through effective supervision and collaboration with industry bodies like the NCRIB.

He highlighted five focus areas shaping NAICOM’s future engagement with brokers and operators:

• Risk-Based Supervision: Aligning financial requirements with business realities.
• Market Conduct Oversight: Ensuring transparency, fairness, and suitability in all broker-client engagements.
• Data and Reporting: Enhancing placement quality and performance measurement.
• Technology Enablement: Supporting digital Know Your Customer (KYC) systems, API-enabled transactions, and seamless claims platforms.
• Inclusive Insurance Models: Expanding access through broker-led microinsurance and takaful solutions.

Omosehin further reaffirmed NAICOM’s guiding principle:

“Deliver only what you can support, and support everything you deliver. Clear promises and prompt service build trust — and trust drives penetration.”

He called on the NCRIB to work closely with the Commission in implementing the Nigeria Insurance Industry Regulatory Architecture (NIIRA) 2025, which seeks to harmonize the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders in the sector.

A Charge to Lead with Vision, Courage, and Empathy

Concluding his remarks, Mr. Omosehin charged Mrs. Ezeibe to lead with the qualities that define great reformers — professionalism, innovation, inclusion, and trust.

“Let your tenure be defined by bold decisions, ethical leadership, and transformative impact. The future of our industry depends on visionary leaders like you,” he declared.

The event concluded amid thunderous applause, with industry leaders expressing optimism that Mrs. Ezeibe’s presidency, in partnership with NAICOM’s regulatory drive, would usher in a new era of trust, inclusivity, and digital transformation for Nigeria’s insurance ecosystem.

Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, has charged NCRIB’s new President, Mrs. Ekeoma Ezeibe, to lead Nigeria’s insurance brokers with integrity, innovation, and inclusion. Speaking at her investiture in Lagos, Omosehin reaffirmed NAICOM’s commitment to trust, technology, and market transformation under the NIIRA 2025 framework.

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