Why .5m e-gadgets are not released - NIA

Why .5m e-gadgets are not released - NIA

Chuks Udo Okonta

Barely two months the Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) launched its Nigerian Insurance Industry Database (NIID) Project it is yet to deploy the over 500000 electronic card readers to security agencies due to logistic reasons Inspen has learnt.

A source that asked not to be named, said the organisation has been sorting out some logistic challenges, adding that efforts are being made to ensure that the desired result is achieved.

He said the association wants to ensure that the gadgets get to the various states and the people they are meant for, stressing that the deployment would commence soon.   

Former Chairman NIA Olusola Ladipo-Ajayi, said the project will help stem fake policies carried by motorists, adding that gadgets will help security agencies – Nigerian Police and Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) ascertain genuine vehicle licenses and weed out fake insurance certificates.

He said the data device is aligned with that of the FRSC to forestall harassment of policyholders by security officers, adding that the device will help block the enormous financial linkage in motor insurance due to fake operators.

He said: “Our data is linked to the FRSC data base so that they can verify the authenticity of insurance certificate that will be presented to them by motorists. We are deploying the electronic card readers to the security agencies to enable them know vehicles that are properly insured.

“The most important thing is for us to get it right. It is not how soon, but how well, because every existing data must be capture, tested and be error proof. This is because we do not want any body to be denied passage by the police and other security agents when he or she has a genuine vehicle insurance cover.

“What this means is that all policies that are still running now will be captured into the system, so that when a policy holder is accosted, he or she will not be accused of carrying a fake or counterfeit document, whereas the individual is carrying a genuine document. This we are presently doing.”

Ladipo-Ajayi, said the data would provide mechanism for verification of insurance certificate issued or presented as evidence of insurance, an enabling environment for submission of statutory returns online and also provide access to all relevant policy underwritten and claims information.

He noted also that the initiative will enhance transparency and accountability to its stakeholders thereby restoring confidence in the insuring public, creates the basis for scientific management of operations in the industry and it will enable the tracking of transactions in the industry.