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Nigeria has been confirmed as the host of the 2026 First Zonal Meeting of the ECOWAS Brown Card Insurance Scheme, with the high-level gathering set to take place in Lagos this April.
The announcement was made by the Nigerian National Bureau of the scheme, which noted that the meeting will focus on improving the efficiency of cross-border motor insurance operations across West Africa.
As preparations intensify, the Bureau also reminded motorists that the ECOWAS Brown Card is embedded in motor insurance policies in Nigeria at no extra cost and is available through licensed insurers. The move underscores ongoing efforts to ensure accessibility and affordability while promoting regional integration.
The 2026 meeting comes at a critical time as member states confront growing technological gaps affecting the scheme’s operations. Under the theme, “The Digital Divide: Managing Change in the Brown Card Operational Strategy for Effective Cross-Border Claims Settlement,” stakeholders will explore the transition from manual, paper-based processes to more integrated digital systems.
Central to the discussions is the need to ensure that victims of cross-border road accidents receive timely and fair compensation, regardless of where incidents occur within the sub-region.
The zonal meeting will bring together national bureaux, regulators, insurers, and other key stakeholders to address operational challenges and strengthen collaboration. It also serves as a strategic platform for reviewing governance frameworks and enhancing the overall effectiveness of the scheme.
Key focus areas for the four-day engagement include improving cross-border claims management, enhancing data transparency and real-time processing, and addressing disparities in technology and operations among member states.
With increasing cross-border vehicular movement across West Africa, improving claims efficiency remains a top priority. The Lagos meeting is expected to identify and eliminate bottlenecks that delay compensation payments to accident victims.
The ECOWAS Brown Card Scheme functions as a unified motor insurance system that guarantees third-party liability coverage across member countries, facilitating safer and more seamless regional mobility.
The Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian National Bureau, Raphael Abiiba, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to advancing the initiative, noting that the country remains focused on strengthening regional cooperation, improving operational standards, and preserving the integrity of the scheme.
The meeting is expected to attract policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders from across West Africa, further positioning Nigeria as a key driver of regional insurance and economic integration.
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