ECOWAS Brown Card Scheme Crucial For Regional Mobility… NAICOM

The Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive Officer of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Nigeria, Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, has called for stronger regional collaboration, improved claims settlement systems, and accelerated digital transformation to enhance the effectiveness of the ECOWAS Brown Card Scheme.

Speaking at the first zonal meeting of the Scheme held at Eko Hotel and Suites on April 13, 2026, Omosehin said the West African insurance industry must adapt to regulatory reforms, technological changes, and the growing demand for deeper regional integration.

The high-level meeting brought together insurance regulators, national bureaux, and industry stakeholders from across member states under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Omosehin described the ECOWAS Brown Card Scheme as a vital instrument for facilitating cross-border mobility and providing financial protection to road users within the region.

He noted that beyond offering insurance coverage, the Scheme represents a framework of trust among member states and supports the ECOWAS protocol on the free movement of persons and goods.

He further highlighted Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen the Scheme through the implementation of the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act, 2025, which enhances governance structures and reinforces the role of the National Bureau in overseeing operations.

“As regulators, our responsibility is to maintain a system that is credible, transparent, and responsive to the needs of motorists and accident victims across the region,” he said.

A major focus of the Commissioner’s address was the need for prompt and fair settlement of cross-border insurance claims, which he described as central to sustaining confidence in the Scheme.

He warned that delays in claims processing and inconsistent application of operational guidelines could undermine the credibility of the system.

To address these challenges, Omosehin called for stricter compliance with established rules, timely settlement of valid claims, and closer collaboration among regulatory authorities and national bureaux.

Industry stakeholders, he noted, must work collectively to ensure adherence to agreed standards while safeguarding the financial stability of their respective insurance markets.

The meeting, themed “The Digital Divide: Managing Change in the Brown Card Operational Strategy for Effective Cross-Border Claims Settlement,” placed strong emphasis on the role of technology in improving operational efficiency.

Omosehin identified key benefits of digitalisation, including faster verification of insurance certificates, improved data exchange, enhanced fraud detection, and greater transparency in claims processing.

He, however, cautioned that the transition to digital systems must be carefully managed to avoid widening operational gaps among member countries.

NAICOM boss stressed the importance of addressing regulatory concerns such as data governance, cybersecurity, interoperability of systems, and standardisation of digital processes.

“Technology should strengthen coordination and efficiency, not create new operational challenges,” he said.

The Commissioner underscored that the success of the Brown Card Scheme depends on mutual trust, reciprocity, and collective discipline among participating countries.

He described zonal meetings as critical platforms for addressing operational challenges, harmonising regulatory frameworks, and sharing best practices across the region.

According to him, no single country can effectively operate the Scheme in isolation.

At its core, he added, the Scheme is designed to protect road users, ensuring that motorists travelling across ECOWAS borders have access to reliable compensation mechanisms in the event of accidents.

“When the Scheme functions effectively, it reinforces public trust in insurance and supports broader economic and social protection objectives,” he noted.

Omosehin concluded by reaffirming the importance of the ECOWAS Brown Card Scheme as a model for how insurance can drive regional integration and public welfare.

He urged participants to engage in constructive dialogue and develop practical solutions to strengthen the Scheme’s sustainability and operational efficiency.

The meeting is expected to produce actionable resolutions aimed at improving cross-border claims management, enhancing regulatory coordination, and accelerating digital adoption across ECOWAS member states.