Ambode To Introduce Compulsory Insurance Policy For All Buildings In Lagos
There are indications that Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode will soon introduce compulsory Insurance Scheme of all buildings in Lagos State.
The Director-General, Lagos State Safety Commission, Hakeem Dickson, who gave the hint at a media briefing in Lagos on the activities of the commission said as part of preparations towards the commencement of the policy implementation, the state government in synergy with consortium of Insurance Companies and National Insurance Commission, NAICOM, are already working out ways of enforcing the policy.
He added that the measure is in line with the Lagos State Government Safety Law 2003, saying the law will be applicable to both owners of completed and uncompleted buildings in the state.
It will be recalled that NAICOM, in pursuance of the provisions of the Nigerian Insurance Act 2003, and in a renewed attempt to reinvigorate insurance use, practice and regulations, then fixed the end of March 2011 as the cut-off date from when all compulsory insurance policies, under various Nigerian statutes, will be fully enforced and penalties applied to defaulters.
Penalties for defaulters according to him, attracts N100,000, fine or one year imprisonment, or both on conviction.
Dickson stressed that the aim of the insurance policy is all about safety of lives and property in the state, saying “the grassroots is not left out in the drive to bring safety to all nooks and crannies of the state and that is why we have a department in the commission that takes care of this. There is the need to check the incessant building collapse and attendant loss of lives in the state, due mostly, to negligence and lack of compliance to safety measures.”
He continued: “The state government through the commission in order to ensure that all buildings are insured, is about to sign a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with representatives of NAICOM, this Wednesday.
“The commission has also been reorganized and staff reassigned to ensure innovative approach t, and better delivery of service to the public.
“The commission will continue to strengthen its collaborations with other government agencies, while private organizations have and will continue to play major part, to ensure compliance to safety regulations.”
Dickson added that the commission will be establishing a Safety Institute where stakeholders can be trained and certified. “Identification has been an issue and the commission intends to address this by equipping staff, safety consultants, agents and vendors with secure IDs.
“We have also engaged consultants who are qualified in different domains to assists un in ensuring that all organizations conform to laid down safety laws, regulations and measures in their daily business.”
