Nigeria: NAICOM Partners SDGs Initiative to Promote Insurance Awareness and Youth Engagement

The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has entered into a strategic collaboration with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Synergy Initiative to boost insurance awareness and foster youth participation in advancing the United Nations’ SDGs in Nigeria.

The agreement was formalized during a courtesy visit by the SDGs team to NAICOM’s headquarters in Abuja.

Speaking at the meeting, Executive Director of the SDGs Initiative, Mr. Usman Lawan, disclosed that the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a support partner of the initiative. He noted that preparations are underway for a youth summit in partnership with the National Youth Assembly of Nigeria (NYAN), aimed at mobilising young Nigerians to play active roles in the achievement of the SDGs.

He further highlighted that the collaboration would also involve linkages with the Brazilian Embassy to strengthen youth engagement in SDG-related activities. Lawan emphasised the importance of sensitising young people about the role of insurance as a social safety net, while stressing the need for active involvement of critical stakeholders in driving the initiative’s success.

Responding, NAICOM’s Deputy Commissioner for Insurance, Finance and Administration, Mr. Ekerete Ola Gam-Ikon, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to youth development. He noted that NAICOM is already working with the Federal Ministry of Youth to train one million young people in capacity-building initiatives. He praised the SDGs Synergy Initiative for its forward-thinking approach and assured stakeholders of the Commission’s readiness to support efforts aimed at deepening insurance penetration across Nigeria.