Mohammed Kari advocates Takaful adoption to improve public sector employee welfare
Mohammed Kari (Wazirin Bauchi)
Nike Popoola
Former Commissioner for Insurance, Mohammed Kari, has called on state governments to integrate insurance and Takaful into their employee welfare programmes, saying the move would strengthen public service, improve financial protection for workers and promote sustainable governance.
Kari made the call while delivering a keynote address at the First Surplus Sharing Ceremony of Crown Takaful Insurance Limited held at Rockview Hotel Royale, Wuse 2, Abuja.
Speaking on the theme, “Strengthening Public Sector Employee Welfare: The Role of State Governments in Insurance and Takaful,” he described public servants as the backbone of government, noting that teachers, healthcare workers, administrators and security personnel play critical roles in national development.
According to him, ensuring the welfare of public sector employees is not merely an administrative responsibility but a moral obligation that enhances governance, improves service delivery and fosters social stability.
He said insurance has become an important tool for modern governance by transferring risks away from government budgets, providing financial predictability and giving workers confidence that their families are protected in times of uncertainty.
Kari, however, noted that Takaful offers additional value because it is built on ethical principles of cooperation, transparency and shared responsibility. He said the model aligns with the cultural and religious values of many Nigerians while addressing concerns that have discouraged some people from embracing conventional insurance.
He described Crown Takaful’s surplus distribution to participants as a demonstration of trust, integrity and responsible financial management, adding that it reflects the unique benefit of Takaful in allowing participants to share in underwriting surpluses.
To strengthen employee welfare, Kari urged state governments to integrate insurance and Takaful into civil service policies, enact supportive legislation, establish strategic partnerships with reputable insurance and Takaful operators, intensify public awareness campaigns and embrace digital platforms to improve transparency and efficiency in claims processing.
He also recommended practical programmes including Group Family Takaful for civil servants, Health Takaful linked to state health insurance schemes, Micro-Takaful for junior staff and informal workers supporting government institutions, as well as Retirement Takaful to complement existing pension arrangements.
According to him, wider adoption of Takaful would enhance financial inclusion, reduce emergency spending, improve productivity, strengthen public confidence in government and contribute to national resilience.
Kari congratulated Crown Takaful Insurance Limited on its first surplus sharing exercise, describing it as evidence that ethical insurance can deliver lasting value while promoting shared prosperity and stronger public sector welfare.
