By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Commissioner for Insurance, National Insurance Commission, NAICOM, Olusegun Ayo-Omosehin, has described the ECOWAS Brown Card Scheme as a critical instrument for regional mobility, financial protection, and compensation for road accident victims across West Africa.
Speaking on Tuesday at the 1st ECOWAS Brown Card Scheme Zonal Meeting in Lagos, Omosehin said the scheme plays a vital role in facilitating the free movement of persons and goods within the region, while ensuring protection for victims of cross-border road accidents.
He noted that beyond insurance coverage, the scheme represents trust among member states and supports broader regional integration objectives of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The Commissioner highlighted that in Nigeria, the scheme has been further strengthened by the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act, 2025, which provides a flexible, principles-based regulatory framework and reinforces the institutional role of the National Bureau.
According to him, maintaining the credibility of the scheme requires strict compliance with operational guidelines, timely settlement of valid claims, and strong collaboration among regulatory authorities and industry stakeholders.
He warned that delays in claims settlement or inconsistent application of rules could undermine confidence in the system and weaken its effectiveness.
Omosehin also underscored the importance of digital transformation in improving operational efficiency within the scheme, noting that technology can enhance insurance verification, speed up claims processing, improve information exchange, and strengthen fraud detection.
However, he cautioned that digitalization must be carefully managed, with attention to data governance, cyber security, system interoperability, and standardization of processes across member countries.
He further stressed that the success of the scheme depends on mutual trust, reciprocity, and collective discipline, noting that no single country can effectively operate the system in isolation.
The Commissioner added that zonal engagements such as the meeting provide an opportunity for stakeholders to harmonize regulatory approaches, address operational challenges, and strengthen regional cooperation.
He reaffirmed that the core objective of the ECOWAS Brown Card Scheme is to protect road users, ensuring that motorists travelling across borders have access to a reliable compensation mechanism in the event of accidents.
Omosehin urged participants to engage constructively and develop practical solutions to enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of the scheme across the region.
