BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—The Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former President of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Barrister Rotimi Edu, describing his passing as a monumental loss to Nigeria’s insurance industry.
In a statement issued by the association, the NIA said the late Edu was an outstanding leader, accomplished legal practitioner, and a respected figure whose contributions significantly shaped the growth and regulatory development of the insurance sector in Nigeria.
The association noted that Edu, who served as the 21st President of the NCRIB, was widely admired for his commitment to professionalism, ethical standards, and industry unity. According to the NIA, he championed stronger collaboration between insurance brokers and underwriters, helping to deepen cohesion within the sector.
“Barrister Rotimi Edu was a titan whose dedication to professionalism and ethical conduct remained exemplary throughout his career. His passing leaves a huge vacuum that will be deeply felt across the financial services industry,” the statement read.
The NIA further highlighted his strategic contributions as a member of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, where he consistently advocated reforms aimed at aligning the insurance industry with evolving economic realities.
The association extended its condolences to the President and Governing Board of the NCRIB, the entire brokerage community, as well as Edu’s family, friends, and professional associates.
While mourning his death, the NIA said it takes solace in the enduring legacy of integrity, visionary leadership, and institutional progress he left behind.
The association prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul and for strength for his family and the insurance industry to bear the irreparable loss.
BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc has disclosed an insider transaction involving one of its directors, Dr. Akinade Ogunbiyi, who sold more than 1.5 million shares in the insurance company in a deal valued at over ₦6.3 million.
The disclosure, signed by Jide Ibitayo, Company Secretary, filed with the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) and the investing public, showed that Ogunbiyi, a Non-Executive Director of the company, disposed of 1,507,309 ordinary shares of Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc between June 3 and June 9, 2026.
According to the notification, the shares were sold at prices ranging from ₦4.20 to ₦4.33 per share, placing the total value of the transaction at between ₦6.33 million and ₦6.53 million.
The transaction was reported as an initial notification of insider dealing in line with regulatory requirements that mandate directors and other insiders of listed companies to disclose transactions involving the securities of their companies.
Mutual Benefits Assurance identified the financial instrument involved in the transaction as its ordinary shares, traded on the Nigerian Exchange under the ticker symbol “MBENEFIT.”
Insider dealing notifications are a key component of market transparency and corporate governance, providing investors with information on share transactions undertaken by directors, executives, and other individuals with access to potentially price-sensitive information.
While insider transactions often attract investor attention, market analysts note that such dealings do not necessarily indicate changes in a company’s outlook, as they may be influenced by personal investment decisions, portfolio rebalancing, or other financial considerations.
The disclosed transaction took place in Lagos, Nigeria, and was executed over a seven-day period between June 3 and June 9, 2026.
Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc remains one of the companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange that regularly complies with insider dealing disclosure requirements, reinforcing transparency in the capital market.
The Federal Government has dismissed reports suggesting it plans to introduce new taxes on telecommunications services and petroleum products, saying the claims are false and misleading.
The Federal Ministry of Finance disclosed this on Wednesday in a statement signed by Maryann Duke, senior special assistant on communications and press secretary to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele.
It said the reports, which linked the proposed taxes to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Article IV Consultation on Nigeria, do not reflect its position.
According to the government, the recommendations contained in the IMF report are advisory and do not constitute policy decisions or binding actions for Nigeria.
“The Federal Government is not considering the introduction of any new taxes on telecommunications services or petroleum products,” the statement said.
Fuel tax rules remain unchanged.
The government also clarified that existing tax arrangements on petroleum products remain in place.
It said the Value Added Tax (VAT) waiver on fuel has not been removed and is still active.
It also explained that any fuel surcharge can only take effect through a ministerial order published in the Official Gazette, adding that no such action is being considered.
According to the statement, the current arrangements have helped cushion the impact of global fuel price changes on Nigerian households and businesses.
On telecommunications, the government said the excise duty introduced before 2023 has already been repealed under the new tax laws.
It added that the tax is, therefore, no longer in force.
The ministry urged Nigerians, media organisations and businesses to disregard claims about new telecoms and fuel taxes.
It said Nigeria’s tax policy remains focused on improving revenue collection, supporting economic growth, and attracting investment, rather than increasing the tax burden on citizens.
The ministry added that any future tax changes would be communicated through official channels and implemented strictly in line with due process.