By Ngozi Onyeakusi– In an effort to mitigate the likely negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the ongoing recapitalization exercise, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has approved the segmentation of the recapitalization process into two phases just as it extended the deadline of the exercise to September 30, 2021.

With the new development insurance companies in this phase one are required to pay 50% of their minimum paid up capital by 31st December 2020 and the remaining 50% by 30th September 2021; whereas reinsurance firms are expected in this phase one to pay 60% of their minimum paid up capital by 31st December 2020 and 40% by 30th September 2021.

The approval was contained in a circular titled “Segmentation of minimum paid up share capital requirement for insurance companies in Nigerian” issued by the Commission today referenced: NAICOM/DPR/CIR/25-04/2020, signed by the Director (Policy &Regulation), Mr. Pius Agboola, for the Commissioner for Insurance, Mr Sunday Thomas, and addressed to all insurance and reinsurance companies.

Today’s circular is issued in reference to earlier circulars referenced NAICOM/DPR/CIR/25/2019 dated May 20, 2019 which introduced the new capital requirement for insurance companies in Nigeria, and NAICOM/DPR/CIR/25-03/2019 dated December 30, 2019 which extended the deadline for recapitalization.

According to the circular, “the incidences of COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult to proceed with the 31st December, 2020 recapitalization deadline. A review of the recapitalization deadline therefore became imperative in order to mitigate likely negative consequences of the pandemic on the exercise

“The Commission hereby extend and segment the recapitalization process into two phases as follows: 50% minimum paid up capital for insurance and 60% for reinsurance shall be met by 31st December, 2020; insurance companies are required to fully comply with the approved minimum paid up share capital not later than 30th September, 2021.”

The circular warned that insurance companies that failed to satisfy the required minimum paid up capital by the end of 31st December, 2020 may be restricted on the scope of businesses they will transact, urging insurance companies to comply fully with the required minimum paid up capital at the end of the recapitalization exercise on 30th September, 2021.

While reiterating that all other provisions in the previous circulars are sustained, NAICOM advised all insurance companies to comply with the provisions of this circular.