2,987 micro pension contributors registered by 18 PFAs in Q1 2022

By Favour Nnabugwu
A total of 2,897 Micro Pension Contributors were registered by 18 Pension Fund Administrators, under the fist quarter of 2023, according to National Pension Commission, PenCom
Thi e above figure increased the overall number of Micro Pension contributors to 76,588 as at  March 31, 2022.

The first quarter report on the website of the Commission also revealed that 69 micro pension contributors converted to Contributory Pension scheme with a total of N245,805.93m transfered from Micro Pension fund (Fund V) to RSA Active Funds (Funds II & III).

The commission further said that a total of  N34.53m was credited into the RSAs of
8,668 MPP contributors in Q1 2022, bringing the total value of the Micro Pension Fund to N263.57m as at 31 March 2022.

The commission also said it issued a  total of 10,541 Pension Compliance Certificates, PCC, to organizations in the first quarter of 2022.

PenCom received 11,200 applications from private sector organizations for the issuance of PCCs. Out of this number, 659 applications were in the approval process as at 31 March 2022.

The records showed that the 10,541
organizations had remitted a total sum of N59,39bn into the Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs) of their employees, totaling 45,170.

NIPC sets new target for FDI routes to Nigeria

By Favour Nnabugwu
The re-appointed Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, NIPC, Saratu Umar has set a target for Foreign Direct Investment routes for the country.
Umar stated at the inauguration in Abuja today,  “Yesterday is gone. Today is a new day. The past is a place of learning, not a place of living. “We must stay focused on today and tomorrow, and how to make tomorrow an even greater day.”
She pledged to reposition the NIPC to attract new routes of foreign investments into Nigerian to shore up the dwindling revenue of the government and the much needed jobs.
The NIPC executive said that the NIPC will support the federal government’s various general and sectoral policies, and executive pronouncements and take to a logical conclusion the National Investment Promotion Masterplan which is aimed at having clear actions that key into the government’s various sectoral masterplans and policies.
She said “We will orchestrate and execute targeted investment drives along country-specific, investor-specific, sector-specific, industry-specific, regional-specific, and investment-type specific strategies to facilitate FDI (and LDI – Local Direct Investment) that fit into Nigeria’s development and investment needs, in an inclusive, coordinated, tangible, measurable and effective manner.”
“We will logically conclude the National Investment Promotion Coordination Framework, to provide a clear strategy for a seamless collaboration and coordination of the Investment eco-system, as well as usher in a robust and effective stakeholder communication and engagement. This will result in effective partnerships between NIPC and critical stakeholders including the international community and development partners.
“We will listen to, and work with, our stakeholders. Indeed, within the next two months, we will hold the second series of our stakeholder engagement which we started in 2014, with various key stakeholder sessions to discuss their challenges, interact, and obtain feedback towards resolving them and creating synergies that facilitate impact.”
“Global Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) markets over the last decade have become more competitive, and the investment promotion thrusts of countries that are attracting the largest global market share of FDI inflows are driven by effective, efficient, and performance-driven Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs). With over 170 IPAs worldwide competing to channel FDI to their different countries, it is imperative that the NIPC is positioned to ensure Nigeria wins in this global market.
This is especially important with the onset of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement which is now in force. In 2021, a UN report noted that Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Africa grew by 147 percent; this has accentuated the race by African economies to showcase their investment climate reforms and business-friendly policies, facilitated by very competitive IPAs that are vying for a greater share of inbound investment.
Critical shifts in the AfCTA and ECOWAS Investment Protocols, as well as the on-going development of the national investment promotion policy, the national trade policy and the national industrial development policy, require that the central and strategic role of the NIPC in the coordination of all investment promotion activities in the Nigerian Economy, should be established, enshrined and repositioned as envisaged in its enabling Law, without prejudice.
“Therefore, as it was in 2014, so it is in 2022: I am still fully committed to excellence and professionalism. If you would recall, my vision when I assumed duty in 2014 was: “to transform NIPC into a gold standard of excellence on the African Continent and a world-class Investment Promotion Agency, that is comparable to any in the world”.
Global insured losses from catastrophes above average at $39bn in H1 2022: Aon

By admin

 

 

Insured losses from natural disaster events totalled $39 billion in the first half of 2022, which is roughly 18% above the 21st Century average, according to Aon.

In contrast to the above average volume of catastrophe losses experienced in the six-month period, global economic losses from natural disasters are preliminary down 24% on the 21st Century average of $121 billion, at $92 billion.

This is all according to Aon’s First Half of 2022 Global Catastrophe Recap, which, examines a period marked by large-scale disasters on almost every continent, which ultimately resulted in above-average losses for the re/insurance sector.

“The first half also saw brand new complexities added to the event response process (including higher replacement costs and reinsurance placements) that were influenced by challenging outside societal and financial factors – notably the war in Ukraine and the highest inflation seen in decades,” says Aon.

In terms of insured losses, persistent severe convective storm (SCS) activity, notably in the U.S. and Europe, was a key driver in H1 2022, according to Aon.

All in all, the broker has recorded at least nine separate billion-dollar insured events in the opening six months of 2022, all but one of which were weather-related. Further, at least 20 events were recorded with at least $500 million in insured losses, which Aon says ties H1 2022 with 2011 as the second highest H1 total this century, behind only the 24 seen in H1 2020.

Looking at economic losses, which at $92 billion shows that the protection gap was around 57% – meaning that more than half of all economic losses suffered from nat cat events were not covered by insurance in H1 2022 – Aon notes 21 individual billion-dollar economic loss events. Again, all but one of these were weather-related, with the exception being the March 16th earthquake near the coast of Japan.

The nine billion-dollar events experienced in the U.S. in the period makes it the most active region, followed by seven in the EMEA, three in the APAC region, and two in the Americas.

Commenting on the H1 2022 loss figures, Aon warns: “It is anticipated that there will be robust loss development in most regions, as the cost(s) associated with seasonal monsoon flooding, drought, and severe convective storm events are fully realized.”

In its extensive report, the insurance and reinsurance broker explains that “the fingerprints of climate change continued to become more evident in individual event behavior and longer-term temperature and precipitation trends in 1H 2022.”

“Warmer than average temperatures were cited across a broad swath of the globe which aided in more unusual weather patterns that were already set in motion by the primary influence of La Niña conditions which have been ongoing for nearly three consecutive years,” adds the firm.

Looking ahead to the second-half of the year, Aon emphasises that Q3 is often the costliest quarter of the year, and with forecasters predicting an above-average level of activity during the Atlantic hurricane season, Q4 has the potential to be costly for the industry as well.

“Elevated wildfire activity and the continual threat of severe convective storms will also require close monitoring. With inflationary pressure adding greater costs to supply and labor combining with more impactful disasters, it is anticipated that another challenging round of re/insurance renewals will be forthcoming,” says Aon.

CFAO Motors partners ETAP on seamless insurance for Nigerian drivers

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

 

Suzuki by CFAO has embedded insurance, powered by ETAP’s game-changing app, into the buying process of each car, removing the need for any additional effort to get insured.

As part of the partnership, drivers will now be able to buy insurance in 90 seconds, complete claims in 3 minutes or less and get rewarded for good driving and avoiding accidents.

ETAP will also onboard Suzuki repair workshops to the list of partner repair centres for claims repairs and other after sales services for ETAP users.

CFAO Motors – the sole distributor of Suzuki cars in Nigeria, has partnered with ETAP  an InsurTech company that creates solutions and incentives to improve the automotive experience across Africa, to enable seamless access to insurance with every new car purchased from the Suzuki network in Nigeria.

Commenting on the partnership,. General Manager of Suzuki by CFAO Nigeria, Mrs. Aissatou Diouf, General Manager of Suzuki by CFAO Nigeri, said “we are excited to partner with ETAP to drive the adoption of much needed insurance for Nigerian drivers. As we expand our footprint across Africa,

According to Diuof,   “We want to make sure that drivers do not only enjoy driving our cars but that they also enjoy everything that surrounds that experience. Beyond insurance, we look forward to playing an active role in improving the automotive experience for our drivers”.

As part of the partnership, drivers will now be able to buy insurance in 90 seconds, complete claims in 3 minutes or less and get rewarded for good driving and avoiding accidents, powered by ETAP’s game-changing app. Suzuki by CFAO has embedded insurance into the buying process of each car, removing the need for any additional effort to get insured.

Suzuki is one of the top automobile companies in the world by sales volume and one of the fastest-growing automobile companies in Africa. Since its re-introduction to Nigeria in 2019, the brand has been committed to introducing cutting-edge technology and market-leading innovation to the automotive value chain.

This new partnership with ETAP is part of a broader initiative by Suzuki by CFAO to embed more technology solutions into the driving experience, from sales to after-sales, and improve the automotive value proposition for its drivers.

Chief Executive Officer/Founder of ETAP, said, Mr.  braheem Babalola, CEO and Founder of ETAP, said”This partnership speaks to the shared commitment between ETAP and Suzuki to unlocking better experiences for African drivers.

Babalola said, “We believe that owning and maintaining a car should be an enjoyable and rewarding experience, and we will continue to explore partnership opportunities and develop solutions to make this a reality for more drivers across the continent”

Leveraging ETAP’s “Shared Value Insurance” model, drivers will be able to earn Safe Driving Points that can be exchanged for shopping vouchers for the most in-demand retail outlets, fuel, cinema and concert tickets, and other exciting experiences.

There is also a leaderboard where drivers are gamified to maintain positive driving behaviour. Drivers can see how well they are doing compared to other good drivers across the country, based on their Safe Driving Points, and get bragging rights for topping the leaderboard of the safest drivers on the road for the week, month or all time.

As part of ETAP’s wider offering, drivers will also have flexible coverage options, including daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual plans depending on their needs. ETAP will also onboard Suzuki repair workshops to the ETAP’s list of partner repair centres for claims repairs and other after sales services for ETAP users.

Anselmi Anselmi emerges AIO book of the year Award winner

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

 

Anselmi Anselmi is the winner of the 2022 AIO Book Award. His book – “Dealing with Climate Crisis in Africa – STRATEGIES FOR AGRICULTURE INSURANCE” emerged top after the final tally during the 48th Africa Insurance Organisation, AIO Conference in Nairobi.

Anselmi Anselmi is the winner of the 2022 AIO Book Award. His book – “Dealing with Climate Crisis in Africa – STRATEGIES FOR AGRICULTURE INSURANCE” emerged top after the final tally during the 48th AIO Conference in Nairobi.

Anselmi is a Director of International Relations, Research and Consultancy at the Africa College of Insurance and Social Protection and lectures at the Tanzania Public Service College. He serves as the Country Inclusive insurance Coordinator in Tanzania (TIRA/ATI).

He is the MD for Acclavia Insurance Brokers & Risk Consultants. He serves in various task forces within the insurance industry and outside geared at engineering growth of the financial sector and inclusive economy such as Chairperson Technical Committee of the Governing Council Tanzania Insurance Brokers Association, secretary to the Tax Reforms Committee of the Insurance Industry in Tanzania, Member of African Insurance Organization (AIO) Microinsurance Working Group and the Editorial Committee of AIO, and InsuResilience Global Partnership – Gender & Agriculture Insurance Working Groups.

He is Associate of the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investments (CISI) of London and Toronto Centre of Canada. He is an avid Researcher, Consultant, Author & a Trainer for government and international organizations on planning, policy, regulation strategy and leadership. His experience in insurance for both conventional and social perspective is comprehensive.

As a lecturer and consultant, he has designed curricula on the subject, conducted various researches and presented papers, authored ten (10) books, provide professional advice to national and international stakeholders, featured in TV programs and creating public awareness on the subject.

He has led technical teams in challenging portifolios such as insurance taxation, leadership, agriculture insurance, microinsurance and Insurance Linked Securities (ILS) solution among other. Anselmi is agile, innovative, teamplayer and solution seeker.

Who the AIO president, Ben Kajwang is

By Favour Nnabugwu

The current Africa Insurance Organisation, AIO, president Dr. Ben Kajwang is currently the Director and CEO of the College of Insurance, Kenya.

He has had a distinguished career in the insurance industry spanning over two-decades where he has held senior positions in Broking, insurance, and reinsurance companies.

He is the current Chairman, Association of Insurance Trainers Educators in Africa under the umbrella of African Insurance Organization (AIO). He is also an Executive Board Member and Chairing the Human Resource Committee of the Organization of East and Southern Africa Insurers (OESAI). He is currently serving as a Board Member and Chairman of the Technical Committee of the Policyholders Compensation Fund (PCF) in Kenya.

Given his vast wealth of knowledge, he has coordinated capacity building for the World Bank Index-Based Weather Risk Management Programs for Eastern and Southern Africa a program funded by European Union’s All ACP Agricultural Commodities Programme (AAACP) and the COMESA USAID/COMPETE sponsored Regional Agricultural Insurance Certification program.

He has also been the Team Leader, Regional Study on Development of Insurance Certification Program by the East Africa Community Financial Sector Development and Regionalization Project (EAC-FSDRP I) and a Member of FARMD – the Global Forum for Agricultural Risk Management in Development (an arm of the World Bank).

He has also led the College of Insurance in partnering with the Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA), Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning (Canada) and Association of Retirement Benefits Authority to develop the Trustee Development Curriculum which is being used for the training and certification of Trustees of Pension Schemes.

He is a Corporate Manager. Consultant, Coach. Mentor. Lecturer, Facilitator and Trainer for various Institutions on professional courses especially Insurance and Risk Management across Africa. He has also been a jurist for the Champions of Governance (COG) Award, Institute of Certified Public Secretaries of Kenya, THINK BUSINESS Insurance Awards and Association of Insurance Brokers of Kenya (AIBK) BIMA Awards.

He has and continues to present papers in several forums, locally and internationally. He has also been feted by local Kenyan dailies as a Transformative Chief Executive Officer with Golden Hands (Nation Newspaper and Business Daily) on innovation, transformation, leadership and strategy. He has several publications in both local and international journals.

He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Strategic Management. He is a Chartered Insurer of the Cll London and Fellow of several Insurance Institutes in Kenya and Uganda and others. He is also an Associate of the Institute of Risk Management (UK).

He has cemented his visionary leadership by developing the state of the art, world class 5-star convention Centre, with conference and accommodation facilities that caters for the growing demand for Meetings. Incentives, Conventions and Exhibition (MICE) and the host venue of the 48th AIO Conference and General Assembly (The Edge Hotel and Convention Centre).

FG has not borrowed money from pension funds – Pencom assures

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

 

The Federal Government has not borrowed money from pension fund in the country,  National Pension Commission (Pencom) assured

This, the Commission said, was to address complaints and rumours in some quarters that a large chunk of the government’s recurrent spendings were done by borrowing from pension funds.

Pencom’s Head of Corporate Services, Alhaji Abdulqadir Dahiru, gave the hint while speaking at a Stakeholders Forum/Interactive Session organised by the Public Complaint Commission with the theme: ‘Effective Administration of the Contributory Pension Scheme in Nigeria: Challenges and the Way Forward’.

He clarified that instead of the government to borrow pension funds, it was the investment teams of pension fund administrators that seek and put money into government bonds to balance their return and risk considerations.

Some stakeholders at the forum had said, “The speculation that the Government is borrowing from the Pension fund is a threat to the contributors.

“The safety of the Fund is paramount to contributors and other stakeholders alike.

“There is need to ascertain the authenticity of the allegation of borrowing to possibly curb any threat to the Scheme.”

Responding, Dahiru stated: “Pension funds are invested in government securities like banks, insurance companies, and foreign investors who are interested in government debt.

“The Federal Government has not borrowed pension funds, because people are giving the impression as if these monies are kept somewhere and government has dipped its hands into it.

“Pension funds are invested. It is a deliberate policy of individual pension fund administrators and their investment teams to look at the investment instruments available, whether government or private, and decide which one they want to invest in, to balance their return and risk considerations.

“Therefore, government does not borrow pension funds. Instead, they are invested in government debt instruments.”

Earlier, the Secretary, Public Complaint Commission, Mr Philip Enyali, explained that the dissatisfaction of many retirees and the need to address their many petitions to the Ombudsman, regarding their entitlements necessitated the interactive meeting with Stakeholders in the pension industry.

He identified the inability of the government to release funds as and when due, delay in payment of group life insurance policy, non-funding Retirement Savings Accounts, inadequacy of pension payment remittances etc. as some of the complaints by retirees to the ombudsman.

“One of the greatest challenges that stares the typical employees in the face throughout their working life is life after retirement. As part of proactive efforts by the Commission, this interactive session is being held to systematically examine the challenges of the administration of the Contributory Pension Scheme currently in operation in the country,” he said.
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UBA extends branch network to Dubai

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

The United Bank for Africa (UBA), Africa’s global bank has extended its operations to the United Arab Emirates with the official launch of its new branch at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

United Bank for Africa Plc (DIFC Branch) will operate under the Category 4 license and will be regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), the financial regulatory agency of the special economic zone, the Dubai International Financial Centre.

Having been in operation for over seven decades. Today, the group is present in 20 African countries, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and France. The UBA branch in the DIFC will service corporate & financial Institutions and customers across the Middle East with a core focus on correspondent banking, relationship management and advisory services.

Through this new expansion, the UBA Group will be able to harness opportunities in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA), which comprise of 72 countries with an approximate population of 3 billion and a nominal GDP of US$7.7 trillion and thereby, reinforce its strong franchise as Africa’s Global Bank, facilitating trade and capital flows between Africa and the rest of the world.

Speaking during the launch of the new subsidiary in Dubai on Thursday, the Chairman, UBA Group, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, explained that with the Group’s foray into the Gulf Region, UBA continues to focus on its strategic intent to lead the way when it comes to doing business in Africa. He said “Collaborating with our franchises in 20 African countries and the major financial centres of London, New York and Paris, UBA (DIFC Branch) will facilitate the financing of trade transactions between the Middle East and Africa, enabling trade finance and investments,” Elumelu said.

“We have been looking forward to this day as it is the first time we will have presence in this part of the world. We know that our international expansion is incomplete if we are not present in the gulf”, he continued.

UBA’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka, who also spoke at the event said, “Today, we are formally on four continents across the globe, operating in 24 countries, serving over 35 million customers and still growing.

“We are the only bank with Nigerian origin that has extended out of Nigeria to the UAE. Those before us have come through other locations and that shows the strength and respect the Dubai authorities have for UBA. Our presence in Dubai affirms that UBA is a strong franchise, expanding its reach across the world,” Uzoka said.

“The authorities and business environment here in the DIFC is phenomenal and UBA is seeing Dubai as the gateway for Africa and that is why we are here, to be closer to our clients, to be partnering with them and facilitate businesses and trade flows into Africa through the UBA franchise. So, we are super excited”.

On his part, the CEO, UBA(DFIC), Mr. Vikrant Bhansali, said; “Trade, commerce and Investments in Africa is expanding in the Gulf Region and Asia. Leveraging the presence of UBA Group in global financial centres, UBA (DFIC) will enhance the ability of the group to facilitate access of Gulf investors and banks to African markets. We will finance trade, facilitate commerce and help grow investment in Africa, across all sectors.”

Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai International Financial Centre(DIFC) Authority, said during the ribbon cutting ceremony “UBA(DFIC) attests to the strong relationship between Dubai and Africa. It is a beautiful start as we are looking forward to achieving more interaction, channelling more trade and investments into Africa, and with UBA DIFC, we are closer to achieving our objectives. DIFC will continue to seek partnerships that will deliver winning relationships as we have just witnessed with UBA Group.

More faces at CIIN president, Edwin Igbiti’s investiture

CAPTIONS:

L –Barr. Rotimi Edu, President, NCRIB, Vice President Chartered Insurance Institute of Ghana, Dr. Geraldine Abaidoo, 51st President, CIIN, Mr. Edwin Igbiti and his Wife, Mrs. Esther Igbiti and the Chairman NIA/ Managing Director, Cornerstone Insurance Mr. Ganiyu Musa at the investiture ceremony held at Lagos Continental Hotel, Lagos.

L- The Doyen of the insurance industry, Olola Olabode Ogunlana, Mrs. Esther Igbiti, 51st President, CIIN, Mr. Edwin Igbiti, Chairman of the Occasion, Chief (Dr.) Oladele Fajemirokun, His Royal Highness, Alhaji D. Y. E. Kanoba and immediate Past President CIIN, Sir (Dr.) Muftau Oyegunle at the investiture ceremony held at Lagos Continental Hotel, Lagos.

Deputy Commissioner (Technical) for Insurance, Mr. Sabiu Bello Abubakar giving the Keynote Address on behalf of the Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. O. S Thomas at the investiture ceremony held at Lagos Continental Hotel, Lagos.

The Chairman of the Investiture Ceremony, Chief (Dr.) Oladele Fajemirokun delivering his speech at the investiture ceremony held at Lagos Continental Hotel, Lagos.

L-Barr. Vice President Chartered Insurance Institute of Ghana, Dr. Geraldine Abaido;     Rotimi Edu, President, NCRIB, 51st President, CIIN, Mr. Edwin Igbiti and his Wife, Mrs. Esther Igbiti at the investiture ceremony held at Lagos Continental Hotel, Lagos.

Mr. Edwin Igbiti being sworn in by Ven. Olusola O. Ladipo-Ajayi as the 51st President of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN)as the wife Mrs Esther Igbit watches in admiration

NEPZA attracts $1bn investment to Niger State

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

 

The Nigeria Export Processing Authority (NEPZA) has achieved another feat in nation’s economic development by striking yet again a $1billion investment in Niger State.

Managing Director of NEPZA, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba stated this while handing over an approved Free Trade Zone declaration license to officials of the investing company, Hydropolis Investment Limited in Abuja.

Recall that the Authority on July 8 secured an investment worth $100m at the Medical/Pharmaceutical Special Economic Zone in Lekki, Lagos for the production of a variety of medical equipment.Adesugba, explained that the Authority was assiduously scouting for investment to assist both the Federal Government and the sub-nationals to bridge the country’s development deficits speedily.

He said that the Authority was enthused in delivering an operative free trade zone license to Hydropolis Investment Limited, adding that the now Hydropolis Free Trade Zone occupied 2000 hectares of land at Amfani Village in Magama Local Government in Niger State.

The NEPZA managing director further said that the new zone was set to commit over One billion US Dollar to establish an Industrial Park, Smart City and a world class Cargo International Airport that would provide backward linkages for both local and foreign businesses.

He said that the development was another economic milestone as the zone was bound to positively impact on the country’s employment profile and Gross Domestic Product.Similarly, Dr Abdulmalik Ndagi, Managing Director, Hydropolis Investment Limited, expressed satisfaction on the speedy nature of the approval, describing the zone as an ideal economic pivotal for the entire country, as according to him, the zone will be a replica of Lekki Free Trade Zone in the North Central region of the country.

He further said that the strategic location of the zone to the Kainji Dam gave it the desired edge, adding also that the business ecosystem had already struck a deal with the federal government to source its electricity from the Dam.

“We are sincerely indebted to the President, Muhammadu Buhari, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo as well as the NEPZA MD/CEO, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba for their efforts and magnanimity in ensuring this becomes a reality. “As a business venture, we are promising to leverage on this confidence reposed on us to contribute our quota to the development of this great nation

`Work has commenced in the location and we hope to roundoff the development of the internal infrastructure like road networks, offices, fencing, electricity before November when the president shall be inaugurating this world class business haven,’’ Ndagi said.