The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) have announced a collaborative framework to enhance the enforcement of compulsory insurance schemes across Nigeria, particularly focusing on motor and health insurance compliance.
The partnership, which was formalised during a strategic meeting in Abuja, aims to address the low level of insurance penetration in the country and ensure that Nigerians comply with statutory insurance requirements, as stipulated by law. The agencies agreed that better coordination and enforcement will not only improve national safety but also deepen public trust in the insurance industry.
Speaking during the meeting, NAICOM’s Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Olusegun Omosehin, highlighted that the collaboration represents a major step toward building a more disciplined and insurance-conscious society. He stated that mandatory insurance policies such as motor third-party, group life, and health insurance must be fully enforced to protect citizens and promote financial inclusion.
Omosehin noted that many vehicle owners in Nigeria operate without valid insurance policies, a situation that increases risks on the roads and undermines compensation mechanisms in cases of accidents. He emphasised that through the partnership with the FRSC, vehicle owners will be compelled to obtain legitimate third-party motor insurance before vehicle registration or renewal.
On its part, the FRSC, represented by Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed, assured NAICOM of its readiness to integrate insurance verification systems into its vehicle registration and driver licensing processes. This, he said, will ensure that every vehicle on Nigerian roads can be verified for valid insurance coverage in real time.
Mohammed added that the collaboration will also contribute to road safety by discouraging reckless driving and encouraging financial responsibility among motorists. “We cannot talk about road safety without considering the importance of insurance. When people know that non-compliance has consequences, they behave better on the road,” he said.
Meanwhile, the NHIA expressed commitment to extending this synergy into the health sector by ensuring strict enforcement of health insurance coverage for all employers and employees in both public and private organisations. NHIA Director-General Dr. Kelechi Ohiri said the cooperation would strengthen access to affordable healthcare while reducing the financial burden of out-of-pocket medical expenses on Nigerians.
Dr. Ohiri explained that collaboration among the three agencies is essential to achieving the objectives of the federal government’s financial inclusion and social protection agenda. He stressed that insurance remains a key component of economic stability and should no longer be treated as optional.
Stakeholders at the meeting praised the tripartite alliance, noting that such inter-agency partnerships will improve enforcement efficiency and reduce fraudulent practices in the insurance industry. They also emphasised the need for continuous public sensitisation to enlighten Nigerians about the benefits of compulsory insurance coverage.
Industry observers believe the initiative could help the government recover billions of naira lost annually to non-compliance. Data from NAICOM shows that fewer than 3 million vehicles currently carry valid motor insurance policies, out of more than 15 million vehicles on Nigerian roads. This figure underscores the urgent need for digital verification systems and stronger policy enforcement.
In addition to enforcement, NAICOM disclosed plans to deploy an integrated technology platform that will enable FRSC and NHIA officers to verify insurance certificates instantly. The system will also allow real-time data exchange among regulatory agencies, insurance firms, and law enforcement authorities to prevent the circulation of fake insurance documents.
The partnership is also expected to facilitate job creation within the insurance sector as the demand for genuine policies rises. Moreover, it aligns with the federal government’s digital transformation strategy, which seeks to modernise public service delivery through technology-driven reforms.
The three agencies agreed to form a Joint Implementation Task Force that will monitor progress, evaluate compliance rates, and recommend adjustments where necessary. Public awareness campaigns will also be rolled out nationwide to educate citizens on the significance of obtaining valid motor and health insurance policies.
By combining their regulatory strengths, NAICOM, FRSC, and NHIA aim to create a culture of accountability, safety, and compliance that will strengthen Nigeria’s insurance ecosystem and improve citizens’ protection against financial risks.
With this alliance, Nigeria is poised to take a significant leap toward expanding insurance penetration, ensuring road safety, and promoting universal health coverage — all essential components of a more secure and inclusive economy.
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