JCI Partners Police, Insurance Stakeholders To Tackle One-Chance Threat In FCT

The Junior Chamber International (JCI) Abuja Unity has partnered with security agencies and insurance stakeholders to launch a public sensitisation campaign aimed at tackling the growing menace of one-chance operations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) while promoting insurance awareness among Nigerians.

The 2026 Local Organisation President of JCI Abuja Unity, JCIN Ambassador Unwana Bright Ekong, said the initiative was prompted by the increasing incidence of one-chance attacks in Abuja and the low level of insurance penetration across the country.

Speaking during the awareness programme in Abuja, Ekong said the campaign was designed to educate residents on how to identify suspicious vehicles, avoid falling victim to criminal operators and understand the importance of insurance as a financial safety net against unforeseen events.

She said the programme was organised in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) and insurance professionals, while the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), though invited, was unable to attend.

“Of recent in Abuja, there’s been an increase in incidents involving one-chance operators. That is one of the major reasons we’re here,” she said.

“The second reason is to demystify insurance. The general perception is that insurance is only for the rich, so many ordinary Nigerians do not see the need to purchase insurance coverage.”

Ekong said participants were enlightened on practical safety measures for public transport users, including how to identify suspicious vehicles and take precautions against possible attacks.

She also stressed the need for responsible driving and strict compliance with traffic regulations, noting that reckless driving remains a major cause of road accidents.

According to her, insurance provides financial support to victims of accidents and other unforeseen incidents, particularly those affected by the negligence of other road users.

“If you want to be a careless driver, that’s on you, but it is important that the third party who may be affected by your actions is protected,” she said.

Sharing her personal experience, Ekong admitted that the sensitisation programme changed her perception of insurance, revealing that she previously considered it unnecessary.

“I am among the Nigerians who don’t do insurance. But after this session, I now understand that insurance is not tied to any specific class of people. Even a corps member can buy insurance depending on what they want to protect,” she said.

“I personally will be securing full coverage because life is unpredictable and you cannot anticipate what will happen next.”

She urged Nigerians to embrace insurance as a practical way of preparing for uncertainties while remaining vigilant when using public transportation.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Abuja Area Committee, Ojo Richard, described road safety as a collective responsibility requiring the commitment of government, businesses and citizens.

Richard commended JCI Abuja Unity for bringing together stakeholders from different sectors to promote road safety and insurance awareness.

“For the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers, I bring greetings from our President, Mrs. Ekeoma Nwabueze, whose mantra this year is to deepen insurance penetration in Nigeria,” he said.

He noted that insurance plays a critical role in protecting lives and property while supporting economic development.

“Insurance advocacy is very important, and every family must understand that for every risk taken when leaving home, insurance is there to provide protection,” he added.

Delivering a presentation titled, The Role of Insurance on Road Safety and Accident Management in Nigeria, the Executive Chairman of Eco Insurance Brokers Limited, Dr. Chukwemeka Njoku, described insurance as a financial safety mechanism that shields individuals and businesses from unforeseen losses.

Explaining the differences between third-party and comprehensive motor insurance, Njoku emphasised the importance of adequate insurance coverage.

“I described insurance as a man who bought a brand-new vehicle with brand-new tyres and is travelling to Lagos without a spare tyre,” he said.

“That spare tyre is the role of insurance. You may get to Lagos successfully, but you may also need that spare tyre on the journey. In the same way, we are encouraged to buy insurance policies because they provide financial security, peace of mind and protection for our assets and those around us.”

Njoku identified poor public awareness and lack of confidence in insurance providers as major factors responsible for Nigeria’s low insurance penetration.

“There is a knowledge gap in the industry and in the environment. As we speak today, insurance penetration in Nigeria is less than one per cent. That means less than one per cent of Nigerians are insured. That is a huge gap,” he said.

He expressed optimism that sustained collaboration among stakeholders would improve public confidence and encourage more Nigerians to obtain insurance coverage.

Njoku urged Nigerians to regard insurance as an investment in their future rather than an unnecessary expense.

“A man who buys insurance is a man who protects himself for tomorrow,” he said.

“There are many hazards associated with using the road. Someone can hit your vehicle, or even while your car is parked at home, a falling tree branch can damage it. The best way to prepare for tomorrow is to buy an insurance policy today because tomorrow is uncertain.”