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COVID-19 Vaccine: FG Confirms 8,439 Nigerians Experience Adverse Effects After Vaccination 

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The federal government has confirmed that a total of 8,439 cases of mild, adverse effects occurred over the application of the AstraZeneca vaccine in Nigeria.
The cases, according to the government, came out of over a million persons vaccinated with the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines.
Disclosing this, the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, NPHCDA explained that
52 persons suffered moderate to severe adverse events at inoculation.
Executive Director of NPHCDA, Dr Faisal Shuaib, speaking at a joint press conference with the World Health Organisation, WHO, on Friday in Abuja, said while the mild reactions included body pains nausea, and swelling, the moderate to severe adverse events presented were fever, vomiting, diarrhea headaches, dizziness, and allergic reactions.
He said Kaduna State recorded the highest rate of AEFI with 970 cases, followed by Cross River State with 859 cases, Yobe 541 cases, Kebbi 511 cases while Lagos recorded 448 cases of adverse events.
Dr Shuaib, however, insisted that so far, there has been no case of death or blood clot recorded from the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine vaccination in the country, he maintained that the vaccination rollout in the country has been marked by safety, efficiency, best practice, and speed.
He said: “When incidents, no matter how rare, appear in populations receiving the vaccine, relevant authorities must investigate to determine whether there may be a connection between the medical incident and the vaccine.
“At this stage, different countries are taking different approaches. In Nigeria, since the vaccination program was officially rolled out on 15th of April 2021, a total of 8,439 mild Adverse events following immunization (AEFI) have been reported.
“There has been no death from the administration of the vaccine. We have also not diagnosed any case of blood clots related to the administration of the vaccines.
“Nevertheless, we are working with NAFDAC, NCDC, and other relevant agencies to set up a more active surveillance system built on our experience with polio surveillance.”
Shuaib who disclosed that the challenges encountered in Kogi state have been resolved by the Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19, said 16,900 vaccines have been delivered and the Covid-19 vaccination campaign has been launched in the state.
While noting that inoculation of frontline health workers has been completed in many states and vaccination has proceeded to the elderly particularly those within the age of 65 years and above.
He, however, expressed worry some persons were skipping the eligibility lines to access the vaccines before it got to their turn.
“We are not unaware of attempts by individuals who are not eligible to access the vaccines. With willing accomplices, it will not be surprising that some may succeed.
“When people skip the eligibility lines we have established to access the C-19 Vaccines ahead of frontline health and other workers, then they should ask themselves if it is ethically and morally right to jump the queue ahead of those who need the vaccines the most.
“In anticipation of this, we have deployed structures and personnel to ensure these acts are minimized to the barest minimum. On this note, I wish to commend the Chairmen of the ICPC, the EFCC, and their personnel for the enthusiasm and dedication with which they have joined our quest for vaccine utilization transparency and accountability.”
On the global shortfall of COVID-19 vaccines, the ED noted that Nigeria has reassessed its vaccine supply forecasts and taken the decision that everyone who has taken the vaccine in the current phase would get the second dose before the next consignment was delivered to Nigeria
Commenting on the alleged mismanagement of COVID-19 vaccines at Falomo clinic, Lagos State, he said investigations have revealed the reports were inaccurate and do not represent what transpired in the mentioned locations.
“One thing that the PSC and the Lagos State Government are aligned behind, is zero tolerance to diversion of Covid-19 vaccines. The vaccine is free to all Nigerians irrespective of social standing.”
Country Representative, World Health Organisation (WHO) Dr Walter Mulombo who raised concerns over the COVID-19 vaccine equity amongst countries, noted that the WHO was working assiduously towards ensuring countries like Nigeria without the means to acquire or manufacture the vaccines have access to the vaccines to immunise their citizenry.
“For Nigeria being among the few countries outside that group, WHO is currently engaging the G7 and G20 to try and increase pressure on those countries hoarding the vaccines so that they will redistribute the vaccines and make them available through the COVAX facility or bilateral agreements to countries that need them the most
“WHO is also engaging the manufacturers for technology transfer so that we can have more sites that will manufacture the vaccines in order to scale up production but we have to recognise that we are facing challenges even within the COVAX facility.”

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Gambian Delegation Visits NAICOM To Understudy Regulatory Approach

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L-R Nyang Madeleine Gomez, Compliance Officer, Central Bank of Gambia, Dr. Usman Jankara, NAICOM Deputy Commissioner, Technical, Drammeh Alieu, Senior Insurance Compliance Officer, Central Bank of Gambia and Mr. Ekerete Ola Gam-Ikon, NAICOM Deputy Commissioner, Finance and Administration, when the Gambian delegation visited NAICOM in Abuja on Monday.

By Sola Alabadan

A delegation from the Central Bank of The Gambia, led by Mr. Nyang Medeleine Gomez, paid a working visit to the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) on Monday in Abuja, with the aim of fostering regulatory collaboration and exchanging knowledge in key areas of insurance supervision.

The primary focus of the visit was to study Nigeria’s regulatory approach in three critical areas:

*Risk-Based Supervision
*Prudential Frameworks
*Inclusive Insurance

The delegation was received by the Deputy Commissioner for Technical, Dr. Usman Jankara, and the Deputy Commissioner, Finance and Administration, on behalf of the Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Olusegun Omosehin,
Mr. Ekerete Ola Gam-Ikon expressed NAICOM’s readiness for collaboration and mutual learning.
He described the engagement as a “knowledge-sharing visit,” noting that “no one regulator has all the answers,” and emphasized the importance of peer-to-peer learning in enhancing regulatory capacity across Africa.

In his remarks, Mr. Gomez explained that the visit was intended to:

* Understanding NAICOM’s implementation of a risk-based supervisory system to ensure a stable and resilient insurance sector

* Exploring strategies for expanding insurance access to underserved and low-income populations through inclusive insurance frameworks; and

* Learn best practices in prudential regulation to safeguard policyholders’ interests and uphold public confidence in the insurance market.

In his response, Dr. Jankara reaffirmed NAICOM’s commitment to supporting the Gambian delegation across all areas of interest.
He emphasised that Nigeria’s regulatory framework has evolved significantly, especially in corporate governance, where the Commission has moved from basic compliance to robust enforcement mechanisms.
He further noted that the newly passed Insurance Regulatory Bill, once it receives presidential assent, will contribute meaningfully to the current administration’s goal of achieving a one-trillion-dollar economy.

Dr. Jankara also highlighted NAICOM’s progress in promoting financial inclusion, citing the successful licensing of 15 microinsurance companies and 6 Takaful insurance providers, milestones that reflect growing insurance penetration. He assured the visiting delegation that NAICOM would share its operational templates and regulatory manuals through the appropriate directorates, while continuing engagement with key departments, including Inspectorate, Supervision, and Innovation & Regulation.

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IMT 2025 Edition Names Former McKinsey Partner As Speaker

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By Sola Alabadan

The fourth edition of Insurance Meets Tech (IMT), a conference focusing on the convergence of insurance and technology, is scheduled to hold on September 11 in Lagos.
With the theme, “Innovating for the New Trybe,” IMT 4.0 will convene stakeholders across the financial, tech, and creative ecosystems, redefining how insurance meets digital innovation, lifestyle, and Africa’s future economy. This year’s edition will once again deliver a powerful dual-experience format:
IMT 4.0, the flagship C-suite and policy-focused discourse
IMT Redefined 2.0, the youth-forward segment exploring the convergence of insurance, culture, and innovation.
The 2025 headline speaker is Per Lagerström, a global thought leader, an insurtech innovator, financial expert, and entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience across financial services, technology, FMCG, and strategy consulting. A former Partner at McKinsey & Company, he founded BehaviorTech, a groundbreaking field that merges behavioural science, AI, and innovation to deliver transformative outcomes for people, businesses, and society.
As CEO of Yellowspot, an Ireland-based venture studio, he leads the development of disruptive ventures focused on financial planning, education, longevity, and human-centred digital transformation. Known for navigating complexity with clarity, Per has advised boards and executives across Europe, Africa, and the Americas. His work is driven by an unrelenting passion for unlocking potential at the intersection of science, technology, and human insight.
Odion Aleobua, Convener of IMT and CEO of Modion Communications, expressed his delight ahead of the event. “We are incredibly honoured to welcome Per Lagerström to Lagos, Nigeria for IMT 4.0. His experience at the cutting edge of behaviour-tech research, an astute financial guru and huge insight into insurtech innovation align with the conversations we drive at this year’s conference. IMT is about the future of protection for a new generation, and we are convening voices and celebrating ideas that matter.”
IMT 4.0 will also continue to explore the role of predictive technology, embedded insurance, disruptive underwriting, and inclusive innovation. With engaging panels, immersive workshops, product demos, and youth-led showcases, the event promises actionable insights and bold ideas for building relevance in a shifting risk landscape.
Commenting, Per Lagerström stated, “Financial services are undergoing rapid and fundamental change, driven by AI inflection and BehaviorTech advances, blurring industry boundaries and shifting consumer behaviours. The result places incumbent business models under tremendous pressure and create unrivaled opportunities for growth and value creation. I am excited to join the year’s edition of IMT to unpack the forces at work and share my playbook for navigating these extraordinary times.”
IMT 4.0 proudly announces an early strategic partner powering this year’s event. CubeCover, one of Nigeria’s leading insurtech and microinsurance providers, comes aboard as a proud Gold Sponsor, racing ahead as early co-travelers for this year’s edition.
To register for IMT 2025, visit www.insurancemeetstech.com. For inquiries, contact Odion at +234 902 222 2226.
About Insurance Meets Tech (IMT)
The Insurance Meets Tech (IMT) Conference is one of West Africa’s leading platforms for exploring the future of insurance through the lens of technology, innovation, and culture.
In its fourth year, IMT offers a robust, multi-stakeholder, two-pronged experience featuring IMT 4.0, focused on C-suite insights, and IMT Redefined, a dynamic youth engagement segment inspired by innovation, lifestyle and creativity. IMT is curated by Modion Communications, one of Africa’s most celebrated young Public Relations consultancies.

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SanlamAllianz Organises Roadshow To Deepen Insurance Awareness

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By Sola Alabadan

SanlamAllianz, formed from the merger of Allianz and Sanlam, will begin 12-city nationwide roadshow on June 23, following the brand’s recent official introduction to the Nigerian market.
The campaign, which will take place in Lagos, Ibadan, Akure, Warri, Port Harcourt, Uyo, Onitsha, Enugu, Owerri, Kano, Jos, and Abuja, is part of the company’s strategic effort to deepen customer engagement, and raise awareness about the brand and insurance.
It is also intended to demonstrate the company’s commitment to making wealth creation and financial protection capabilities more accessible to individuals and businesses in the country.
Speaking on this initiative, Tunde Mimiko, MD/CEO of SanlamAllianz Life Insurance, said: “This nationwide campaign signals the scale of our ambition and the depth of our commitment to the Nigerian market. At the heart of insurance is trust, and trust begins with presence. Reaching customers where they are is fundamental to how we are building SanlamAllianz.
“This roadshow is a strategic move to bridge the gap between perception and reality, allowing us to engage directly with our customers and Nigerians in general, challenge long-held misconceptions, and position insurance as a practical tool for thriving in financial confidence, building resilience and long-term financial security.”
As part of the roadshow, SanlamAllianz will hold customer engagement forums in each of the 12 cities. The in-person sessions allow customers to interact directly with the company’s leadership and frontline teams. The forums aim to reconnect with customers under the unified brand and reaffirm its long-term commitment to the local market.
“Insurance only becomes relevant when it is understood, trusted, and connected to the realities people face,” said Yomi Onifade, MD/CEO of SanlamAllianz General Insurance.
“These forums are our way of reintroducing SanlamAllianz not just as a merged entity, but as a unified brand committed to showing up for Nigerians. We are creating a platform for real conversations — to listen, address concerns, and deepen understanding. This is how SanlamAllianz intends to lead, by listening actively, showing up with solutions, and shaping a future where insurance is truly embedded in the fabric of everyday Nigerian life,” he added.
By adopting a city-by-city physical rollout, SanlamAllianz Nigeria is positioning itself as one of the few players actively investing in deeper grassroots engagement toward deepening insurance penetration in Nigeria.

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