Reactions as Kari becomes NAICOM's Deputy Commissioner Technical

 

Chuks Udo Okonta

The appointment of Mohammed Uba Kari as the Deputy Commissioner (Technical) of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), has elicits reactions from stakeholders. While some lauded his appointment, others who may not be pleased with the development held back their comments.

Director-General Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) Kola Ahmed said, his appointment is a blessing to NAICOM as he will help strengthen the commission’s capability to perform its responsibilities.

He said kari being a sound technical person who has headed two foremost insurance institutions in Nigeria - NICON Insurance and Nigeria Reinsurance, will further strengthen NAICOM’s ability to discharge its responsibilities.

“kari being a sound technical person who has headed two foremost insurance institutions in Nigeria, as he was once the Managing Director NICON Insurance and Managing Director, Nigeria Reinsurance, he was also in Niger Insurance, he is a well grounded technical person, which I believe his coming into NAICOM is a good omen for the image of the industry.

“He somebody that has the respect of the industry, he has carriage and technical competence. His coming into NAICOM will further strengthen the commission, to be able to discharge its responsibilities,” he said.

Director-General Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) Sunday Thomas said his appointment is a good development, stressing that he is well known in the industry, being familiar with the market and the challenges and that he will add value to the system.   

Kari’s appointment was announced in a statement by the Assistant Director/Head, Corporate Affairs NAICOM, ‘Salami ‘Rasaaq. He noted that he was until 2012, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer UnityKapital Assurance Plc, noting that he is an Insurance Graduate (Diploma in Insurance, 1979) of the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and an Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute London, from Caledonian University, Glasgow, U.K (1984).

Kari holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration (Information Technology) from University of Central England Birmingham, UK (2002) and IT Management Certified Professional from learning Tree Management Institute, London UK 2004).

He started his working career with Royal Exchange Assurance Plc in 1979. Between 1984 and 1989 he worked in Yankari Insurance Company Ltd as Assistant General Manager (Technical).

Mohammed Kari joined Niger Insurance Plc in 1989 as Executive Director (Technical) and worked for about three (3) years. He became the Managing Director/CEO in January 1992, a position he held up to March 1993. As a result of his sterling qualities he was appointed Managing Director/CEO of National Insurance Corporation (NICON) in March 1993 where he served up to January 2000.  

He brings to his new assignment sufficient wealth of experience in insurance underwriting and hands-on administration.