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The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has charged Mrs Ekeoma Esther Ezeibe, the new president of the Nigerian Council of Registered In­surance Brokers (NCRIB) to bring to bear her lead­ership qualities as the chairperson of the Nigerian Insurance Industry Committee On AfCFTA (NII-Af­CFTA) in the running of the Council’s affairs and the larger insurance industry during her tenure.

Mr. Olusegun Omosehin, the Commissioner for Insurance gave the charge at the investiture of the insurance amazon as the third female president of the NCRIB held in Lagos last week.

According to him, Mrs. Ezeibe’s emergence as the third female President in the 63-year history of the Council is a powerful symbol of progress and inclusion asserting that her journey is one of quiet strength and strategic impact both at NCRIB and the insurance industry.

“Of note is her strategic leadership as Chairper­son of the Nigerian Insurance Industry Committee on AfCFTA (NII-AfCFTA). Under her guidance, the Committee has championed industry enlighten­ment, capacity building, and policy advocacy to ensure Nigerian insurance industry is well-posi­tioned to harness the opportunities of the African Continental Free Trade Area,” said Mr Omosehin.

“As we celebrate this investiture, let us reflect on the leadership imperatives that will shape our future: Empowering professionals and stakeholders through enhanced knowledge and awareness. Up­holding integrity, transparency, and professionalism in all our engagements and Building trust through consistent performance, clear communication, and fair practices.

He said in insurance, perception and perfor­mance are inseparable while Trust grows when actions meet stakeholders’ expectations.

He expressed optimism that under Mrs. Ezeibe’s leadership, the NCRIB will champion these impera­tives and drive industry toward greater excellence.

On NAICOM’s regulatory expectations, the CFI stressed that the Commission’s priorities are clear saying “We aim to foster innovation, protect policy­holders, and build public confidence.

To the brokers, he said: “Our regulatory focus includes: Risk-Based Supervision aligning gover­nance and financial requirements with business scale.

For him, market conduct oversight which en­sures transparency, suitability, and fairness —es­pecially during claims and data and reporting En­hancement, making placement quality and client outcomes measurable are sacrosanct to the sectoral wellbeing.

The Commissioner noted that facilitating digital KYC, API-enabled placement, and efficient claims portals and inclusive Insurance Models, partnering with NCRIB to develop broker-led microinsurance and takaful solutions are part of the Commission’s priorities.

“NAICOM’s stance is simple: deliver only what you can support, and support everything you deliver. Clear promises and prompt service build trust—and trust drives penetration.

“We invite the NCRIB, under Mrs. Ezeibe’s lead­ership, to actively partner with the Commission in implementing the provisions of NIIRA 2025. NA­ICOM remains open to dialogue and committed to harmonizing the roles of all industry players.” Omosehin emphasised.

The Broker’s Role in a Changing Risk Land­scape

In today’s dynamic environment, brokers must evolve to meet emerging risks. This includes:

Stating further, the CFI noted that insurance bro­kers have the role in a changing risk landscape by providing client-first risk advisory, ensuring trans­parent placement with clear wordings and quality coverage, leading claims processes with data-driven, empathetic approaches and expanding inclusion through affordable microinsurance for underserved sectors as well as leveraging digital tools to reduce costs while maintaining ethical standards.