WAICA Education Conference to Address Emerging Flood, Climate Risks as Finance Minister To Deliver Keynote

Mrs. Ebelechuwu Nwachukwu, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) speaking at the press briefing gor the 2025 WAICA Education Conference, Tuesday in Lagos.

By LOVETH AZODO, Lagos

The 2025 West Africa Insurance Companies Association (WAICA) Education Conference will place the spotlight on emerging risks from flooding and climate change, with Nigeria’s Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the opening ceremony in Lagos.

The conference, which runs from October 12 to 15  in Lagos, Nigeria will draw more than 250 delegates from across West Africa and beyond, bringing together regulators, policymakers, and industry leaders from Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and The Gambia to deliberate on the theme “The West African Insurer in the Face of Climate Change.”

Speaking at the press briefing held on Tuesday at the Insurers House, Lagos, Mrs. Ebelechuwu Nwachukwu, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), underscored the significance of the conference in preparing African insurers for emerging risks tied to climate change.

“To help underwriters begin to think about the risk threats emerging from climate change, this conference is going to be very educational and an eye-opener for all of us,” she said.

“Africa faces unique vulnerabilities, extreme weather, flooding such as we see in Lagos, drought, and agricultural disruptions, that directly affect businesses, communities, and livelihoods.

For insurers, these challenges are already translating into rising claims, increased risk exposures, and the urgent need for innovative products and risk management solutions. This gathering provides us with a platform to reflect, prepare, and reaffirm our mandate as insurers to provide support when risks eventually occur.”

The Honourable Minister of State, Ministry of Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, is billed to deliver the keynote address at the opening ceremony on Monday, October 13, while Mr. Olusegun Omosehin, Commissioner for Insurance (NAICOM), will serve as Chief Host.

The conference will feature paper presentations, three panel sessions, and contributions from eminent local and international leaders, including Dr. Abiba Zakaria, Acting Commissioner of Insurance, Ghana; Mr. Wole Oshin, Group Managing Director, Custodian Investment Plc; Mr. Bockarie Kaloko, Deputy Minister of Finance, Sierra Leone; and Ms. Tola Adegbayi, Managing Director/CEO, Mutual Specialist.

Programme highlights include a Cocktail Welcome Reception on October 12 at the Insurers House, Victoria Island; the Monday Evening Soiree on October 13, sponsored by Africa Reinsurance Corporation, at Eko Hotel & Suites; the Closing Dinner Ceremony on October 14, sponsored by WAICA Reinsurance Corporation, also at Eko Hotel & Suites; and visits to tourist sites on October 15 before delegates’ departure.

The Local Organizing Committee has also assured that adequate arrangements have been made for the transportation and security of all participants.