Business
NAICOM Seeks Supervisory Role In Quoted Insurance Firms
The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has sought the permission of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to join in the supervision of insurance companies listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).
A statement, issued by NAICOM in Lagos last week said that Mr Fola Daniel, NAICOM Commissioner for Insurance, made the request when SEC Director-General, Ms Arunma Oteh, visited the Commission.
Daniel said that its supervisory role was necessary in view of the large number of insurance companies listed on the NSE.
He said that the commission had nothing to do with quoted insurance companies 10 years ago because only three of them were listed on the Exchange then.
“But as at today, over 30 insurance companies are listed on the Exchange.
“Some of the companies, we have primary responsibility to regulate or do with SEC because they are quoted on the NSE.
“This makes it imperative for the two regulators to collaborate to ensure effective supervision and regulation of the quoted entities,” the statement quoted Daniel as saying.
The statement, signed by Mr Lucky Fiakpa, Assistant Director (Corporate Affairs) in NAICOM, quoted Oteh as agreeing to the collaboration.
“Such a collaborative exercise should be done more frequently to ensure effective supervision of the companies,” Oteh said.
Oteh commended NAICOM for its awareness programmes and the introduction of micro insurance.
She said that the awareness programme on the compulsory insurance products was enlightening.
Oteh said that she would want to see the sector play a key role in the economy, stressing that financial inclusion was very important.
Business
Kenyan Runners Dominate Berlin Marathons
Kenya made it a clean sweep at the Berlin Marathon with Sabastian Sawe winning the men’s race and Rosemary Wanjiru triumphing in the women’s.
Sawe finished in two hours, two minutes and 16 seconds to make it three wins in his first three marathons.
The 30-year-old, who was victorious at this year’s London Marathon, set a sizzling pace as he left the field behind and ran much of the race surrounded only by his pacesetters.
Japan’s Akasaki Akira came second after a powerful latter half of the race, finishing almost four minutes behind Sawe, while Ethiopia’s Chimdessa Debele followed in third.
“I did my best and I am happy for this performance,” said Sawe.
“I am so happy for this year. I felt well but you cannot change the weather. Next year will be better.”
Sawe had Kelvin Kiptum’s 2023 world record of 2:00:35 in his sights when he reached halfway in 1:00:12, but faded towards the end.
In the women’s race, Wanjiru sped away from the lead pack after 25 kilometers before finishing in 2:21:05.
Ethiopia’s Dera Dida followed three seconds behind Wanjiru, with Azmera Gebru, also of Ethiopia, coming third in 2:21:29.
Wanjiru’s time was 12 minutes slower than compatriot Ruth Chepng’etich’s world record of 2:09:56, which she set in Chicago in 2024.