Business
Market Operators Task Insurance Firms On Awareness
If quoted insurance firms are to achieve improved performances in their financial scorecards, there will be a need for intensive awareness for Nigerians on the importance of insurance policies, dealing members on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange have advised.
They noted that many Nigerians do not believe that insurance business is ptrogressing in the country, while quoted firms in the sector are not known for good dividends.
Mr Emeka Madubuike, Chief Executive Officer of Compass Securities and Vice Chairman Association of Stock Broking Houses Owners of Nigeria (ASHOU) said the Insurance firms would have to go extra miles to convince Nigerians on the need to embrace Insurance.
“There is need for education on insurance to ensure penetration. Many Nigerians still believe in African Insurance and that is why Insurance business is at low ebb in the country,” he said.
Anothar senior broker on the floor noted that performance of the quoted insurance firms and their dividend payout over the years have shown that the industry is still lagging behind. He added that, apart from the need to create awareness on insurance policies, the companies needed to restrategise and come out with innovative products that would attract Nigerians.
Speaking on the floor of the Exchange recently a Director in Guaranty Trust Assurance Plc, which was recently listed, Mr. Tosin Runsewe, confirmed that insurance penetration in Nigeria is still very low because many people have yet to realize the importance of insurance. According to him, the insurance industry in the country is currently contributing only 0.6% to the nation’s GDP, adding that out of about 150 million population only one million people have insurance cover.
He however, expressed the hope that the industry would soon grow as stakeholders embark on enlightenment and awareness campaigns.
“Opportunity for growth is enormous in the industry, especially for those who will invest in strategic areas, and as we strive to create more awareness, the huge untapped market will be explored,” he said.