Category: Pension

  • IEI to hold EGM

    IEI to hold EGM

    International Energy Insurance Plc (IEI) is set to hold its Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.

    This was disclosed in a statement made available to journalists in Lagos.

    The company disclosed that the meeting will be held virtually to allow all shareholders, irrespective of their locations, join and take part in the decision-making process.

    The statement read: “The EGM has been called for shareholders to consider the resolutions listed in the statutory notice. The key item is the proposal to undertake a capital raising exercise to inject capital of up to N17.5 billion naira into the business to fully recapitalise as required by the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act, 2025.

    “It is worthy to note that Norrenberger Advisory Partners Limited had made a deposit for shares in 2023 in a sum of N2billion and it is proposed that this deposit be converted into equity through the creation and allotment of 1.25 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at N1.60 per share, subject to the shareholders’ approval.

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    “This proposed conversion reflects continued shareholder support for IEI’s transformation and its ongoing efforts to build a more competitive and efficient business. The proposal is further supported by the Company’s recent performance and its 10x Story, which highlights the progress made in strengthening operations and laying a stable foundation for long-term growth. Details on how to join the virtual meeting, submit proxies, and vote have been shared with shareholders through the channels provided in the published notice”.

    IEI remains committed to open communication and good governance as it continues to advance its recapitalisation plans and long-term growth agenda, the company stated.

  • Finance, Insurance sector surges16.13% in Q2 2025, says NBS

    Finance, Insurance sector surges16.13% in Q2 2025, says NBS

    The combined Finance and Insurance sector of Nigeria has recorded a robust 16.13per cent growth year‑on‑year in the second quarter of 2025, according to the latest National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Gross Domestic Product (GDP) report.

    This growth outpaced many other sectors, reinforcing the role of financial services including banking, fintech, and insurance, in driving economic activity and supporting overall GDP growth.

    The sector’s contribution to real GDP now stands at 3.60 per cent, up from 3.23 per cent in the previous comparable quarter.

    Although the Finance and Insurance category groups banks and insurers together, NBS data indicates a breakdown.

    It showed that financial institutions account for approximately 87.97 per cent of sector output, while insurance makes up the remaining 12.03per cent.

    Despite the impressive headline growth, economic analysts urge a cautious optimism, stressing that much of the expansion is being driven by banking activity and financial institutions, and not necessarily insurance.

    The CEO of CFG Advisory, Mr. Tilewa Adebajo described the performance as a step in the right direction.

    He added that Nigeria’s financial sector is responding well to reforms, but to create mass impact, the economy needs sustained eight to 10.

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    Adebajo stressed growth annually to uplift the middle class.

    On the insurance side, observers note that the recent spike may reflect increased demand for financial services, but they highlight the need for deeper penetration, better products, and stronger regulatory follow‑through for granting the insurance subsector a more visible share of the gains.

    The strong performance in the broader finance sector provides a favourable macroeconomic backdrop for insurers.

    Growing financial sector activity often leads to higher demand for risk‑management products, insurance penetration, and investment, all of which could benefit insurers.

    However, the growth momentum could strengthen calls for reforms like Capital injections, improved underwriting practices, digital transformation and stimulate investor interest in the insurance space.

    Overall, while the NBS numbers send an encouraging signal about Nigeria’s financial ecosystem, insiders caution that the insurance industry must capitalize on this momentum through strategic innovation, deeper market penetration, and improved transparency to turn macroeconomic gains into sector‑specific growth.

  • Recapitalisation: Lasaco Assurance to raise N36b capital

    Recapitalisation: Lasaco Assurance to raise N36b capital

    Ahead of insurance industry recapitalisation deadline slated for July 2026, Lasaco Assurance Plc has secured the approval of its shareholders to raise its capital level to N36billion.

    This will allow the company surpass the minimum capital requirements for a composite insurance company.

    Under the ongoing exercise, Life Insurance companies are expected to recapitalise to the tune of N10billion, General insurers N15billion and composite underwriting firms are to jack up capital to minimum of N25 billion.

    As a composite insurer, the targeted capital level will keep Lasaco Assurance solid among its peers post-recapitalisation.

    Addressing shareholders at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of the company in Ikeja, Lagos, the chairman, Mrs. Teju Philips, explained that, the meeting was convened to consider the company’s recapitalisation plan in line with the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act 2025 which sets a new minimum capital requirement of N15 billion for non-life insurers and N10 billion for life insurance firms.

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    She stated that, the new standards would strengthen operators and enable them to take on more business, adding that, capital remains the primary determinant of underwriting capacity in the insurance sector.

    She reaffirmed that Lasaco remains a dependable institution with a strong record of meeting claims obligations and maintaining transparency in all operations.

    Mrs Philips presented the seven point agenda, with the central proposal being the increase of the company’s share capital from 11,083,585 units to 36,083,585 units through a private placement and rights issue.

    The meeting also agreed that the new shares would rank pari passu with existing ordinary shares and that the company’s authorised share capital should be adjusted to reflect the new threshold of N36 billion.

    Additional resolutions approved included amendments to the Memorandum and Articles of Association, granting directors the authority to conclude terms of the capital raising exercise, obtain necessary regulatory approvals and appointment of professional advisers.

    The company secretary was also authorised to complete all statutory filings at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

    Present at the meeting along with the chairman are Directors; Fola Tinubu, Ademola Oshodi, Abiodun Dosunmo, Ademoye Shobo. Also present are the Deputy Managing Director, Oluwatobiloba Lawal, Rilwan Oshinusi, and the Company Secretary, Mrs Gertrude Olutekunbi.

  • Lagos continues strong pension performance with fresh N1.5billion bond issuance

    Lagos continues strong pension performance with fresh N1.5billion bond issuance

    The Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of retirees by issuing another tranche of retirement bond certificates under its ‘Pay-As-You-Go’ pension model.

    Yesterday, 832 retirees received their retirement bond certificates worth a total of N1.5billion being their past service benefits prior to the commencement of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) in 2007.

    This latest issuance, reinforces the state’s reputation as one of the best-performing sub-national entities in pension administration in Nigeria.

    Under the Pay-As-You-Go system, the state ensures that retirees receive their entitlements promptly upon retirement, with the consistent release of redemption bonds forming a key part of this process.

    In addition to financial entitlements, Lagos State also provides a year of free healthcare coverage for all retirees, a gesture widely applauded by pensioners and stakeholders in the sector.

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    Speaking during the  112th Batch Retirement Bond Presentation Ceremony held in Lagos, the Director General, Lagos State Pension Commission (Laspec), Mr. Babalola Obilana said the state has been  celebrating dedication, service, honour and fulfilment.

    He said: “We are here to recognize men and women who have given the best years of their lives to the service of Lagos State. Individuals who built institutions, strengthened systems and supported the machinery of governance through diligence, loyalty and professionalism.

    “On behalf of LASPEC, I congratulate all our retirees present today. Your career journeys represent decades of sacrifice, resilience and commitment to the Lagos State Public Service. You have served faithfully, and today the State stands ready to fulfill its promise to you.

    “Allow me to reaffirm, unequivocally, the unwavering commitment of the Lagos State Government, under the visionary leadership of Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, to the welfare of workers both in service and in retirement. Since the adoption of the Contributory Pension Scheme, Lagos State has consistently met its statutory obligations by remitting both employer and employee pension contributions promptly to the respective Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs) of its workforce”.

    Obilana further stated that through continuous reconciliation of employee records, digitalization of pension processes, and collaboration with Pension Fund Administrators and Annuity Service Providers, they have improved service delivery and eliminated longstanding bottlenecks that once plagued the pension system.

    He noted that the bond presentation ceremony remains central to these reforms.

    “Each ceremony we hold represents another significant milestone, not just numbers on charts but real people whose futures are being safeguarded. The Lagos State Government has made significant strides in pension administration over the years despite various challenges. Today, we can proudly say that the CPS in Lagos State is one of the most efficient and well-managed pension systems in the Country.

    “Furthermore, LASPEC has launched, and will continue to implement, trainings and sensitization programs aimed at equipping public servants, particularly Directors, eAdmin. & HR and Pension Desk Officers, with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively navigate the pension system and ensure the timely payment of retirees’ entitlements. Looking forward, LASPEC is committed to ensuring that the pension system continues to meet the needs of both current and future retirees. The system must remain adaptable, responsive to the economic realities of our time, and increasingly inclusive of diverse forms of retirement savings.

    “Today, the Governor will be presenting another set of 832 retirees with their retirement bond certificates worth a total of N1.5billion being their past service benefits prior to the commencement of the CPS in 2007”, he disclosed.

  • NAICOM commends Continental Re, says recapitalisation’ll position Nigerian insurers for AfCFTA competitiveness

    NAICOM commends Continental Re, says recapitalisation’ll position Nigerian insurers for AfCFTA competitiveness

    The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has commended Continental Reinsurance Plc for convening the 2025 CEO Roundtable themed “Recapitalization & Beyond: Rethinking Risk, Capacity and Collaboration for a Resilient Insurance Sector,” describing the forum as timely and vital to the industry’s transformation.

    The event which took place in Lagos drew a large gathering of chief executives of insurance companies across Nigeria.

    Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, the Deputy Commissioner, Technical, Dr. Usman Jankara, expressed optimism that the ongoing recapitalisation exercise will reposition Nigerian insurers for stronger competitiveness under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

    He stated that recapitalisation is the foundation for growth, not the finish line, noting that it will strengthen solvency and underwriting capacity, enabling insurers to write bigger tickets and retain more risk locally; build public and investor confidence to attract capital and partnerships; encourage mergers and acquisitions for scale and efficiency; and position Nigerian insurers for regional competitiveness, especially under AfCFTA.

    Jankara added that Continental Re’s efforts to drive industry dialogue align with NAICOM’s reform agenda, which focuses on enhanced capacity, stronger solvency and innovation.

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    He reaffirmed the new minimum capital requirements of N10bn for life insurers, N15bn for non-life companies and N35bn for reinsurer, stressing that they are crucial for developing firms capable of handling larger transactions and expanding across African markets.

    The Lead Paper Presenter and Managing Director, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Mr. Bismark Rewane, described recapitalisation as a transformative tool that will strengthen the industry’s role in economic growth, climate resilience and capital market development.

    He said it will enhance claims-paying ability, support long-term risk protection, enable underwriting of more complex risks, boost investor confidence, promote consolidation and encourage innovation and technology adoption.

    Managing Director of Continental Reinsurance Plc, Dr. Fatai Lawal, said the theme reflects a central challenge and opportunity for the industry.

    “It demands that we look forward with clarity and courage, while learning from the foundations already lay,” he said.

    He noted that Continental Re convened the roundtable to bring industry leaders together to assess progress, share experiences and identify strategies for achieving a stronger, more resilient sector.

  • SUNU Assurances football team seals 2025 insurance Super Cup in debut victory

    SUNU Assurances football team seals 2025 insurance Super Cup in debut victory

    In a thrilling finale on November 29, the SUNU Assurances Football Team etched its name in history by emerging as champions of the 2025 Insurance Super Cup—an extraordinary feat achieved in their first-ever appearance at the tournament.

    Entering the competition as debutants and underdogs, SUNU Assurances Football Team stunned the league with a series of spirited performances, culminating in a dramatic final showdown against two-time title holders, AXA Mansard.

    After a nail-biting encounter that ended in a draw, SUNU sealed the championship with a composed 5–3 triumph in the penalty shootout.

    The team’s victory was defined not only by their resilience and tactical discipline but also by standout individual performances.

    In addition to the team trophy, SUNU players walked away with top honours including Best Defender and Golden Gloves, cementing their dominance in this year’s tournament.

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    Following the victory, a celebratory reception was hosted at the company’s Head Office, where the Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Samuel OGBODU, commended the team’s exceptional grit, strategy, and unity. He underscored these attributes as being perfectly aligned with the core tenets of the company’s corporate culture.

    He said: “This victory reflects not just sporting excellence, but the spirit of SUNU: disciplined, focused, and built on teamwork. We are proud of what the team has accomplished and what it represents for our brand,” Dr. OGBODU added.

    The win signals a bold new chapter for the SUNU Assurances Football Team and raises expectations for future competitions.

  • SanlamAllianz Nigeria wins .NGInsurance Website of the Year

    SanlamAllianz Nigeria wins .NGInsurance Website of the Year

    SanlamAllianz Nigeria’s website and portal has been adjudged winner of the NiRA .NG Awards 2025.

    Nigeria Internet Registration Association, NiRA, is the registry for .ng Internet Domain Names and maintains the database of names registered in the .ng country code Top Level Domain. NiRA is a Not-for-Profit, Non-Governmental Self-Regulatory body established by the order of the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Internet Community to manage Nigeria’s Country Code Top Level Domain.

    The .ng Awards celebrate the achievements and innovation of Nigerian internet initiatives and aims to showcase Nigerian businesses, individuals, charities, public and private sector organisations that help to .make the Internet a more secure, open, accessible, and rewarding experience for all.

    According to the .ng awards website, the criteria for the awards include: Local Content, User Experience, Functionality, Website Relevance and Website Dynamism.

    Commenting on the awards, Group Head, Strategy, Marketing and Customer Relations, SanlamAllianz Nigeria, said “This award is another testament to the overall quality of our website. Last year, we were finalists at this same award as Sanlam Nigeria, now as SanlamAllianz Nigeria, following our JV with Allianz, we finally brought this home.

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    This reinforces our rebrand theme of two giants coming together; two forces joining forces. Indeed with this award, we unequivocally reaffirm our enhanced technical and innovation capabilities to deliver a delightful experience to our customers and prospects who interact with us across all our touch points.”

    In a further testament to the increased strength of the company’s digital exertions, days earlier, a leading marketing services firm with strength across automated email marketing, Netcore/Infytel adjudged SanlamAllianz as the most innovative user of its platform.

    “When it comes to digital adoption, we are clearly one of the leading lights in our industry ,” said Bankole Banjo, Marketing and Corporate Communications Manager at SanlamAllianz Nigeria. “From our easy-to-use customer app called SanlamAllianz Connect, to the agents’ app which allows for seamless paperless sales by our over 5000-man field force, we have shown the industry that innovation is not just a core value for us, but a way of life”, he concluded.

  • NIA co-opts Lesi, Ikekhua, Oyinlade, Mimiko into Governing Council

    NIA co-opts Lesi, Ikekhua, Oyinlade, Mimiko into Governing Council

    The Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) has inaugurated new members to its Governing Council.

    The Managing Director of Leadway Assurance Company Limited, Managing Director of NEM Insurance Plc, Mr. Andrew Ikekhua and the Managing Director of emPLE General Insurance Limite, Mr. Olalekan Oyinlade have been re-coopted, while Mr. Tunde Mimiko of SanlamAllianz Life Insurance Limited has been newly co-opted.

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    These members, having been admitted officially into the NIA Governing Council during the November Council meeting at Insurers House on November 27, 2025, will serve a one-year tenure.

    NIA Chairman, Mr. Kunle Ahmed, congratulated the new council members and expressed confidence in their abilities, while urging them to represent the association effectively and drive its growth and development.

    Meanwhile, Mrs. Folashade Joseph, Mr. Bode Opadokun, Mr. Femi Asenuga and Mr. Lawrence Nazare have exited the present Governing Council of the NIA, having completed their tenures.

  • PenCom trains agents to recover N32.27b from defaulting employers

    PenCom trains agents to recover N32.27b from defaulting employers

    The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has accredited pension recovery agents to serve as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s social contract with workers.

    They are to recover N32.27 billion, comprising N15.87 billion in principal contributions and N16.40 billion in penalties from defaulting employers between June 2012 and September 2025.

    In a statement by the commission’s management, the Director General, Ms. Omolola Oloworaran, announced the development at a workshop in Lagos.

    She said the commission had ushered in a new era of zero tolerance for pension defaulters.

    The PenCom boss reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to enforcing strict compliance across the pension industry.

    Oloworaran, who was represented by the Commissioner in charge of Inspectorate PenCom, Samuel Chigozie Uwandu, spoke during an intensive training workshop for accredited recovery agents in Lagos.

    She noted that the training marked a renewed nationwide compliance push to recover outstanding pension contributions and penalties from employers who persistently violate the Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2014, which mandates remittance of pension contributions within seven working days of salary payment.

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    She said: “The workshop outlined new strategic initiatives that will strengthen enforcement efforts, deepen inter-agency collaboration, and empower recovery agents to tackle non-remittance of pension contributions with greater precision and authority with PenCom is currently engaging Recovery Agents to audit defaulting employers, calculate outstanding pension liabilities, issue demand notices, and facilitate recovery of unremitted pension contributions.

    “Recovery Agents work has been instrumental in enforcing compliance since the start of the recovery exercise in 2012, in addition PenCom recorded significant compliance gains in the third quarter of 2025 alone, recovering N2.06 billion (N775 million principal and N1.27 billion penalties) from 49 defaulting employers, reflecting a sustained surge in enforcement activities.

    “Despite the successes of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), persistent defaults by employers threaten the fundamental purpose of the system. Every unremitted Naira represents a broken promise to a Nigerian worker as this Commission has moved from promoting voluntary compliance to mandating enforced compliance. The era of impunity is over.”

    Oloworaran explained that the appointment of recovery agents followed a competitive, transparent selection process, reflecting PenCom’s confidence in their capacity, professionalism, and integrity, reminding participants that they are the operational arm of PenCom’s enforcement and are critical to PenCom’s strategy to safeguard workers’ retirement savings.

    The DG outlined several bold initiatives forming PenCom’s expanded enforcement architecture, including forming stronger partnerships with key regulatory bodies such as the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and other relevant agencies. Under these partnerships, employers’ compliance with the PRA 2014 will influence their standing with these bodies, noting that defaulting employers will face consequences beyond PenCom, as non-compliance may affect business operations, access to government services, and regulatory privileges.

  • PTAD: Resolving pensioners’ issues

    PTAD: Resolving pensioners’ issues

    OJO: Dear Omobola, I am one of Heritage Bank customer at Ado Ekiti. I am one of those who were not paid their pension since May. I sent a message to you with all my particulars. Please, I am waiting for your help. Ojo from Ado Ekiti.

    PTAD: Dear Mr. Ojo, we are not in receipt of your new bank statement from UBA as we discussed with you and your daughter on the phone. Thank you.

    SAMSON: Good day, I am Samson. I am an Ondo State pensioner with federal share. I will like to remind PTAD that I have not received my pension for the month. The late payment of my monthly pension is now becoming a regular occurrence and this is having a negative effect  on the good image of PTAD. Kindly make amends.

    PTAD: Dear Mr. Samson, please be informed that you’re currently on our payroll and you have been paid. Kindly go to your bank and get your bank statement from April 2025 to date. Thank you.

    ANONYMOUS: Good day, please, save my soul. I have no other hope. I have not received my pension. The late payment of my monthly pension is now becoming a regular occurrence and this is not good for PTAD’s image.

    PTAD: Dear PTAD PENSIONER, please send your verification slip to our email complaints@ptad.gov.ng to enable us to investigate and respond further. Thank you.

    KOLADE: Dear Omobola, my name is Kolade. Kindly look into the issue of N32,000 minimum wage for us who are still on old pension payment.

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    PTAD: Dear Kolade, Please be informed that the N32,000 increment will be paid to every pensioner except for some agencies like PHCN, Peoples Bank, NICON Insurance, Nigerian Reinsurance, NITEL, PTI AND Assurance Bank.  Thank you.

    MICHAEL: Dear Omobola, while I commend PTAD for additional token added to my money in my April, 2025 pension, I wish to implore the nation newspaper to request PTAD to kindly do the needful on nonpayment of my gratuity in which I complained severally but to no avail. Thanks for your good work. PTAD: Dear Mr. PTAD: Micheal, please send your verification slip to our email complaints@ptad.gov.ng to enable us to investigate and respond further. Thank you.

    SAMUEL: Good day, my name is Samuel. I retired on grade level 9, step 5. My monthly pension is N17000 but has been reduced to N9000. Please I will like to know why. PTAD: Dear Mr. Samuel, please note, according to the record available to us you’re on your rightful pension payment. And for your gratuity from our record, your retirement date was 21/9/1993. Therefore, your gratuity should be paid or has been paid by the state government. However, you can scan and send your bank statement six months before your retirement to date to enable us to investigate and respond further. Thank you