The Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), the umbrella body for insurance companies in Nigeria, embarked on a strategic engagement with the Lagos State Police Command, solidifying their collaborative efforts to enforce the compulsory Third-Party Motor Insurance Policy. This policy, a cornerstone of road safety and financial protection, mandates all vehicle owners to possess valid insurance coverage to compensate third parties for injuries, death, or property damage resulting from accidents involving their vehicles. The NIA delegation, led by Director-General Mrs. Bola Odukale, paid a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olorundare Jimoh, marking a significant step in strengthening the partnership between the insurance industry and law enforcement agencies.
Mrs. Odukale, conveying the NIA’s appreciation for the police force’s instrumental role in driving compliance with the Third-Party Motor Insurance Policy, lauded the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for spearheading the nationwide enforcement initiative launched in February 2025. She emphasized that this collaborative effort has yielded substantial progress in enhancing compliance rates across the country, reflecting the joint commitment to protecting the interests of the insuring public and fostering growth within the insurance sector. This visit, Mrs. Odukale noted, underscored the NIA’s dedication to ensuring that Nigerians understand and benefit from the crucial protections offered by motor insurance.
The NIA Director-General also highlighted a common misconception among many motorists, who often underestimate the profound value and far-reaching benefits of motor insurance. Beyond the legal obligation, she emphasized the financial security it provides, shielding vehicle owners from potentially crippling liabilities in the event of an accident. Mrs. Odukale reiterated the NIA’s pledge to bolster its support for the police force through capacity-building initiatives. This includes organizing specialized workshops and training programs tailored for Divisional Traffic Officers to deepen their understanding of the insurance industry, with a particular focus on the intricacies of Third-Party Motor Insurance. These initiatives aim to equip law enforcement officers with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively enforce the policy and educate the public on its importance.
Responding to the NIA’s outreach, Commissioner of Police Jimoh acknowledged the pivotal role of insurance in safeguarding individuals and society and affirmed the police force’s unwavering commitment to enforcing the Third-Party Motor Insurance Policy as directed by the Inspector-General of Police. He highlighted the seriousness with which the IGP regards the enforcement of this policy, emphasizing the mandate for all state police commands to submit regular progress reports to the central headquarters, ensuring nationwide consistency and accountability in implementing the initiative.
The Commissioner emphasized that the Inspector-General of Police has instituted a robust monitoring mechanism to track the enforcement of the policy nationwide. This involves requiring all state police commands to submit daily reports to the central headquarters, detailing their progress and challenges in implementing the initiative. This centralized approach ensures consistent application of the policy across the country and allows the police force to address any emerging issues promptly and effectively. The Commissioner also highlighted the critical need for increased public awareness and education regarding insurance, particularly in combating the proliferation of counterfeit insurance certificates. This, he noted, will require a concerted effort from both the insurance industry and law enforcement to educate the public on how to identify genuine insurance certificates and protect themselves from fraudulent practices.
The meeting between the NIA and the Lagos State Police Command signifies a crucial step in fortifying the enforcement of Third-Party Motor Insurance. This collaborative approach, driven by the shared goal of protecting the public and promoting responsible road use, promises to significantly enhance compliance levels and foster a greater understanding of the value of motor insurance among Nigerian motorists. The presence of other key NIA officials, including Director of Operations Mr. Lanre Ojuola, Controller, Technical Mr. Soji Oni, and Head of Corporate Communication and Brand Management Ajoke Adeyemi, demonstrates the Association’s commitment to this partnership. This collaborative initiative between the NIA and the police force underscores the importance of a multi-pronged approach, combining enforcement with education, to effectively implement the Third-Party Motor Insurance Policy and realize its intended benefits for all stakeholders.
