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NIA Boss Commends Lagos for Turning Building Insurance Law Into Protection

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The Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) on Friday applauded the Lagos State Government for transforming building insurance from a theoretical legal requirement into a practical shield for lives and property.

Speaking at the official launch of the Lagos State Building Insurance Scheme, the Chairman of  NIA and Managing Director/CEO of Rex Insurance Ltd, Mrs. Ebelechukwu Nwachukwu, praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration for bridging the long-standing gap between policy and enforcement.

She said, “Today is not merely the launch of a new insurance scheme. It is the launch of a new way of protecting lives, property, and the future of Lagos State. This initiative demonstrates what is possible when government, regulators, and the insurance industry work together with a shared purpose to build a safer, more resilient society.

“Building insurance has existed in our laws for many years. What has often been missing is effective implementation. Today, Lagos State is bridging that gap. By combining geospatial intelligence, digital technology, and structured enforcement, the State is transforming a legal requirement into practical protection for its people. That is worthy of recognition.

“More importantly, it sends a powerful message that insurance is not an afterthought following disaster; it is an essential part of building safer communities before disaster occurs.

“Behind every building is more than bricks and concrete. There are families. There are businesses. There are livelihoods. There are dreams built over many years. When a building collapses, when fire destroys properties, or when floods devastate communities, it is not only infrastructure that is lost—it is hope, opportunity, and financial security.

“Insurance cannot prevent every tragedy. But it can ensure that tragedy does not become permanent hardship. That is why I say today, especially to property owners and developers: Insurance is not a burden placed upon you, but a protection extended to you.

“It is one of the smartest investments anyone can make in safeguarding lives, assets, and the future.

“This Scheme is not only good for Lagos; it is good for Nigeria. It demonstrates that compulsory insurance, when supported by strong institutions, effective technology, and stakeholder collaboration, can simultaneously protect citizens, strengthen public confidence, and deepen insurance penetration.”

On the part of the NIA, she added, “For our member companies, this represents an opportunity and a responsibility: an opportunity to extend protection to more Nigerians, and a responsibility to deliver professional service, fair underwriting, and prompt claims settlement.

“As our regulator has consistently reminded us, the greatest asset of our industry is trust. Every policy issued under this Scheme is an opportunity to strengthen that trust. Every claim settled promptly is an opportunity to reinforce public confidence.

“My hope is that what Lagos has begun today will inspire similar initiatives across other states of the Federation. The challenges of fire, flooding, and building collapse are not unique to Lagos. The Nigerian Insurers Association stands ready to work with other state governments to support practical initiatives that improve compliance, strengthen resilience, and expand access to insurance protection.”

She assured that the Association will continue to support its member companies while working closely with government agencies and regulators. “We will promote public awareness of the value of insurance and continue to champion an insurance industry that is professional, trusted, and responsive.

The post NIA Boss Commends Lagos for Turning Building Insurance Law Into Protection appeared first on Business Today NG.

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Tax Ombud braces for digital asset tax disputes, seeks greater public awareness

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The Office of the Tax Ombud said it is strengthening its capacity to handle disputes arising from digital asset taxation as part of efforts to improve fairness and transparency in Nigeria’s tax system.

The Tax Ombud and Chief Executive of the Office of the Tax Ombud, John Nwabueze, disclosed this on Thursday at a media parley in Lagos, where he outlined the office’s achievements and future priorities.

According to him, the office has expanded the capacity of its accountants and legal experts to handle complex tax matters, including disputes involving digital assets, should such cases arise.

He also said the office plans to establish offices in all six geopolitical zones to improve taxpayers’ access to its services.

Mr Nwabueze said the Office of the Tax Ombud has enhanced access to its services through a digital complaints portal, a case management system, a toll-free call centre and SMS callback services, making it easier for individuals and businesses to lodge complaints and obtain timely resolutions.

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According to him, the office received more than 20 ‘genuine’ complaints within its first three months of operation, most of them involving state revenue services.

“Within three months, the Office received over 20 genuine complaints, most of them involving state revenue services.

“Of these, eight have been successfully resolved, all within the statutory 14-day resolution period, with provision for an additional seven days where necessary,” Mr Nwabueze said.

The Tax Ombud said the office is also expanding engagement with professional bodies, the media, revenue authorities and other stakeholders, while preparing a nationwide public awareness campaign to address issues such as multiple taxation.

“The Office has expanded the capacity of its skilled accountants and legal experts to handle complex tax matters, including disputes relating to digital asset taxation, should such cases arise.

“We are also enhancing accessibility at the grassroots through plans to establish offices across all six geopolitical zones,” the tax ombud CEO said.

He further noted that multiple taxation, particularly at the state and local government levels, remains a major concern, adding that the federal government is working with relevant stakeholders, including the Joint Revenue Board, state governments and local government authorities, to develop lasting solutions.

ALSO READ: Oyedele unveils Tax Ombud website, digital portal to strengthen taxpayer protection

Mr Nwabueze said the Office of the Tax Ombud was established to provide impartial mediation between taxpayers and revenue authorities, promote voluntary tax compliance and strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s tax administration.

“Multiple taxation is an endemic issue that we are determined to address by engaging all relevant stakeholders, including the Joint Revenue Board, state governments, and local government authorities.

“Through collaboration and policy engagement, we are working towards sustainable solutions,” the Tax Ombud stated.

He called for support in terms of public awareness of its services, noting that many taxpayers are still unaware of their rights and the avenues available for resolving tax disputes.


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Recapitalisation: NAICOM Revokes Royal Exchange Prudential Life Insurance License

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BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), has revoked the certificate of registration for Royal Exchange Prudential Life Insurance PLC  over its failure to meet the statutory minimum capital requirement under the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025.

The cancellation, which took effect on Plc August 3, 2026, The regulator also ordered the immediate winding up of the firm’s operations.

The action was executed under the legal powers granted to the regulatory authority by the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIRA) 2025.

According to a notice signed by Deputy Commissioner (Technical) Decent Jankara, titled “Notice Of Cancellation Of Certificate Of Registration Of Royal Exchange Prudential Life Insurance Plc”, the regulator appointed Titilayo Akinlawon (SAN)as Receiver and Provisional Liquidator to oversee the winding up of its affairs.

The notice added that “The appointed Receiver is mandated to take control of the company’s affairs, liquidating its assets and settling its outstanding liabilities in strict accordance with NIRA 2025 regulations and extant insurance guidelines.”

“Relevant stakeholders and financial institutions have been instructed to cooperate fully with the Receiver during the official takeover and winding-up proceedings.”

This development comes days after NAICOM announced the completion of the insurance sector recapitalisation exercise and published a list of 43 insurance and reinsurance companies that met the July 31, 2026 compliance deadline.

The post Recapitalisation: NAICOM Revokes Royal Exchange Prudential Life Insurance License appeared first on Business Today NG.

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