Only 6% of Nigerians seek insurance brokers’ advice before taking policy — NIA DG

The Director-General, Nigeria Insurers Association (NIA), Mrs Yetunde Ilori, has advised Nigerians to always seek advice from professional insurance brokers before purchasing insurance policies.

Ilori told our correspondent on Thursday in Lagos that only six per cent of insurance policy holders sourced their
policies from insurance brokers.

According her, this group lacked concise advice on insurance policies they purchased, saying the terms and conditions attached
to the policies also remained vague to them.

“Nigerians are advised to always get expert counseling from professional insurance brokers before they decide on the policies they want to take.

“This is also responsible for wrong perspectives being spread about insurance in the country,’’ Ilori said.

She said about 34 per cent of the policy holders sourced insurance through their employers.

“27 per cent got policies through family members; 16 per cent through agents and 13 per cent through banks and four per cent
through other means,’’ she explained.

Ilori, however, appealed to the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) to ensure the spread of insurance
brokers across the country.

“Efforts should be made to get to every nook and cranny of the country to enable more Nigerians to get appropriate advice
on insurance.”

Ilori noted that out of the total adult population of 96.4 million, 59.6 million representing 61.9 per cent live in rural areas.

“Insurance brokers and underwriters should therefore take insurance crusade to these category of people,’’ she said.

Ilori also called for mass education and enlightenment to make insurance a household commodity in the country before 2025.