Transition Committee hands over ECOWAS Brown Card Bureau, Lucas Durojaiye elected Chairman
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Ad-hoc/Transition Committee for the establishment of an independent Nigerian National Bureau of the ECOWAS Brown Card Scheme has formally presented its report, marking a major milestone in the Bureau’s institutional transformation.
Speaking at the inaugural General Assembly in Lagos today Tuesday, the Chairman of the Committee, Mr. John Falade, said the assignment was “transformational,” aimed at aligning the Bureau with the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025 and regional frameworks.
He disclosed that the Bureau is now fully registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission as an Institution Limited by Guarantee, securing its legal status and operational independence.
Falade noted that reforms addressed governance gaps, legacy liabilities exceeding ₦2.08 billion, and introduced operational improvements, including a prepaid model and digital systems for Brown Card issuance.
He added that strengthened claims management and governance structures have positioned the Bureau for efficiency, transparency, and enhanced regional collaboration.
At the meeting, the Managing Director of Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, Dr. Lucas Durojaiye, was inaugurated as Chairman of the Nigerian National Bureau of the ECOWAS Brown Card Scheme, and new board members were constituted.
Pledging to strengthen regional collaboration and operational efficiency, Durojaiye expressed gratitude to members for the confidence reposed in the new board, describing the mandate as a responsibility to serve with integrity and diligence.
He commended the outgoing chairman, Kunle Ahmed, for enhancing the Bureau’s visibility and digital engagement, while acknowledging the regulatory support of the National Insurance Commission.
Durojaiye said the board would consolidate existing gains, deepen cooperation with sister bureaux across West Africa, and promote transparency and professionalism.
He noted that the Scheme remains vital in facilitating cross-border movement and ensuring prompt compensation for victims of road accidents within the sub-region.
The outgoing Chairman of the Nigerian National Bureau of the ECOWAS Brown Card Scheme, Kunle Ahmed, outlined key achievements recorded during his tenure, including reforms, digital transformation, and strengthened regional collaboration.
Ahmed said the Bureau overcame challenges such as manpower gaps, irregular remittances, and delayed reconciliation of obligations within the ECOWAS region.
He noted that with support from the Nigerian Insurers Association, the Brown Card became mandatory for all motor insurance policies, while reconciliation with member states improved significantly. He added that the National Insurance Commission-backed reforms and the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act 2025 further strengthened operations.
Ahmed also highlighted the launch of the Bureau’s website, increased media engagement, and successful incorporation as a legal entity, positioning it for sustained growth and regional impact.
