Insurance managers in Warri, under the auspices of the Association of Insurance Managers and CEOs of Insurance Brokers, Warri Chapter, have alleged that some agents of the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue Service are involved in the unauthorised sale of third-party motor insurance policies.
This was made known by the Chairman of the Association, Rotarian Benjamin Usiora, who disclosed that the act violates the Nigerian Insurance Act of 2003 and the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) guidelines. He declared that the actions of such agents are illegal and exploitative.
Rtn Usiora added that NAICOM’s operational guidelines clearly state that only licensed insurance companies and registered insurance brokers are authorised to sell insurance products.
He further stressed that the mandate imposed by the board’s agents infringes upon motorists’ rights to freely choose their insurance providers, constitutes an abuse of office, and breaches due process.
The group demanded that the Board investigate the activities of the agents involved and ensure appropriate sanctions for those found guilty, to put an end to the illegal sale of third-party motor insurance by its agents in all revenue offices in Warri and across Delta State.
They also urged the Board to direct all revenue officers to limit their responsibilities to the collection of statutory vehicle registration and renewal fees without interfering in the insurance business.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue Service, Chief Solomon Ighrapata, while attributing the state’s revenue boost to peace-building efforts and impactful infrastructural projects by the state governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, assured members of the Association of Insurance Managers and CEOs of Insurance Brokers, Warri Chapter, that the Board would set up a committee to investigate the allegations and take appropriate action.
Chief Ighrapata emphasised the Board’s commitment to curbing sharp practices and ensuring compliance with regulations.
The meeting was convened to address concerns and find solutions to improve the relationship between the Board and insurance professionals in the state.
