ECOWAS Brown Card Scheme Vital For Regional Mobility, Financial Protection -Omosehin
By Sunday Etuka
The Commissioner for Insurance, National Insurance Commission, Mr. Ayo Omosehin, has underscored the importance of the ECOWAS Brown Card Scheme as a vital tool for regional mobility and financial protection.
Mr. Omosehin stated this at the 1st ECOWAS Brown Card Zonal Meeting 2026 hosted by the Nigerian National Bureau of the ECOWAS Brown Card Insurance Scheme, held in Lagos.
The meeting was attended by stakeholders from across West Africa to boost digital integration, speed up cross-border claims, and harmonize motor insurance operations.
The ECOWAS Brown Card guarantees third-party compensation for road accident victims involving foreign motorists in member states.
Speaking, the NAICOM boss said beyond insurance coverage, the Card represents trust among member states and supports the ECOWAS objective of free movement of persons and goods, while ensuring protection for victims of crossborder road accidents.
He said in Nigeria, the Scheme is further strengthened by the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act, 2025, which provides a flexible, principles-based regulatory framework.
Omosehin said the Act formally recognizes and reinforces the institutional role of the National Bureau, enhancing governance and regulatory oversight of the Scheme.
Noting: “As regulators, our responsibility is to maintain a system that is credible, transparent, and responsive to the needs of motorists and accident victims across the region.”
He mentioned that prompt and fair settlement of crossborder claims was central to the success of the Brown Card Scheme. Adding that to sustain its integrity, there was the need to ensure strict compliance with operational guidelines; Timely settlement of valid claims; and Strong collaboration among regulatory authorities.
According to him, delays in claims settlement or inconsistent application of rules undermine confidence in the Scheme, therefore, regulators must continue to work closely with National Bureaux and industry stakeholders to ensure adherence to established conventions, while safeguarding the financial stability of our markets.
Speaking on the theme of the meeting, “The Digital Divide: Managing Change in the Brown Card Operational Strategy for Effective Cross-Border Claims Settlement”, the NAICOM boss said it was both timely and relevant.
According to him, digitalisation offers clear benefits, including improved verification of insurance certificates, faster information exchange, more efficient claims processing, enhanced fraud detection, and greater transparency.
However, he said digital transformation must be carefully managed, as technology should strengthen coordination and efficiency, not create new operational gaps across member markets.
He gave the key regulatory considerations to include data governance, cybersecurity, system interoperability, and the standardisation of digital processes.
Omosehin submitted that the effectiveness of the Brown Card Scheme depends on mutual trust, reciprocity, and collective discipline. Noting that no single country can operate this system successfully in isolation.
“Zonal engagements such as this provide valuable opportunities to address operational challenges, harmonise regulatory approaches, share experiences, and strengthen collaboration among member states.
“At its core, the Scheme exists to protect road users. Motorists travelling across ECOWAS borders must be confident that, in the event of an accident, a reliable compensation mechanism is in place.
“When the Scheme functions effectively, it reinforces public trust in insurance and supports broader economic and social protection objectives,” he said.
