The Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) has a new leader, Mrs Ekeoma Ezeibe, who has unveiled the “One Insurance Industry” agenda as the central focus of her tenure. Ezeibe, the 23rd President of NCRIB and the third female to hold the position, was sworn in last October in Lagos at an event attended by industry stakeholders. She described the new agenda as timely and unifying for Nigeria’s insurance sector, especially as the industry implements the recently promulgated Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA 2025).
In her inaugural address, Ezeibe said the broad support shown to her appointment came with “a huge burden of expectations” to provide “foresighted and pragmatic leadership.” She stressed the need for deeper collaboration among all insurance operators to grow the market, expand access, and capitalise on the sector’s potential. The “One Insurance Industry” mantra, she said, would guide her administration and help foster “a more cohesive insurance industry that would be respected by all.”
Since her inauguration, Ezeibe has embarked on visits to key institutions, including the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Financial Matters, and the House Committee on Insurance and Actuarial Matters. At each meeting, she reiterated the mission of uniting the insurance industry and introduced plans for new public insurance awareness initiatives. She disclosed that the Abia State Government would host the first awareness project of her tenure, aimed at making insurance, particularly brokerage services, more accessible and widely understood by Nigerians.
The Commissioner for Insurance, Mr Olusegun Omosehin, welcomed Ezeibe’s leadership, describing her as a committed figure whose influence extends beyond NCRIB to the entire insurance sector. He noted that the “One Insurance Industry” agenda aligns with NAICOM’s current focus on expanding access and improving public confidence in insurance. Omosehin also urged the Council to maintain high standards of professionalism, compliance, and market conduct while respecting regulatory frameworks.
Senator Tokunbo Abiru, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Financial Matters, commended Ezeibe’s clear vision for the industry, highlighting that the NIIRA 2025 provides a conducive environment for the initiative. He pledged his committee’s support to grow brokerage practice and enhance the sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s GDP. Similarly, the House Committee on Insurance and Actuarial Matters, led by Usman Jaha, promised backing for the Council under its new leadership and revealed plans to track all government assets nationwide to ensure proper insurance coverage—a move expected to expand market opportunities.
The House Committee on Financial Crimes, chaired by Onwusibe Obinna, also assured NCRIB of collaboration, emphasizing that brokers would play a key role in upcoming amendments to anti-crime legislation.
During her visit to NAICOM, Ezeibe outlined her administration’s priorities, including strengthening compliance among brokers, improving documentation and communication processes, enhancing the professional image of brokers, and promoting training, mentorship, and capacity-building for women and young professionals. She acknowledged past compliance gaps, attributing them to administrative oversights, and pledged the Council’s commitment to resolving them.
NAICOM and NCRIB jointly identified focus areas such as professionalism, ethical standards, women’s inclusion, youth engagement, alignment with NIIRA 2025, and boosting the industry’s public image through unified awareness campaigns. They agreed on key actions, including establishing an NAICOM–NCRIB Joint Working Group, expanding training programs, enhancing public sensitisation, and holding regular engagement meetings to maintain transparency and accountability.
Ezeibe’s leadership marks a new phase for Nigeria’s brokerage sector, signalling stronger collaboration, improved compliance, and wider public engagement, all aimed at making insurance a household term in the country.
