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INSURANCE SHAREHOLDERS DEMAND CLEAR RECAPITALISATION ROADMAP

• Posted on August 26, 2024
• Editors Pick
• By admin

1. Recapitalisation Efforts and Legislative Context:
- The Nigeria Insurance Industry Reform Bill 2024 is currently progressing through the National Assembly.
- This bill aims to increase the minimum capital requirements for insurance firms, with life insurance companies needing to raise their capital from N2 billion to N15 billion, and general business companies from N3 billion to N25 billion.

2. Shareholders’ Concerns:
- Shareholders, particularly those in the minority, are raising concerns about how insurance firms are preparing for these changes.
- At various AGMs, shareholders like Moses Igbrude and Sunny Nwosu voiced their worries about the industry's readiness and the need for proactive planning to avoid negative impacts from the new legislation.

3. Previous Recapitalisation Attempts:
- The last successful recapitalisation in the Nigerian insurance sector occurred in 2007.
- Subsequent attempts, such as the tier-based capital regime in 2018 and a minimum share capital increase in 2021, faced resistance and were ultimately aborted due to litigation and challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.

4. Industry Challenges and Responses:
- Stakeholders like the immediate past CFI, Sunday Thomas, and the Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu, have emphasized the need for a significant capital increase to handle more complex transactions and expand operations.
- However, there is opposition within the industry, with some arguing that the current capitalisation is sufficient.

5. Stakeholders’ Proposals:
- The Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) proposed lower minimum capital requirements than those in the bill, advocating for a risk-based capital regime instead.
- Prestige Assurance, for instance, is exploring alternatives like private placements and rights issues to raise the required capital.

6. Broader Economic Impact:
- The recapitalisation push comes amid similar efforts in the banking sector, raising concerns about competition for capital in the market.

7. Future Outlook:
- While the need for recapitalisation is acknowledged, stakeholders are calling for a clear and feasible roadmap that considers the current economic realities and market dynamics.