L-R: Mr. Emmanuel Ovaga, MD/CEO, PufferPay Ltd; Sola Longe-Okenimkpe, COO, Nuvu Africa; Prince Cookey, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, Business Journal; Mr. Jide Orimolade, President/Chairman of Council, CIIN; Dr. Chinyere Almona, DG/CEO, LCCI; Dr. Umaru Kwairanga, Group Chairman, NGX; Mrs. Idu Okeahialam, GMD/CEO, Royal Exchange Plc; Mr. Babatunde Ajiboye, Assistant Director, CBN; Dr. Muda Yusuf, CEO, CPPE; Dr. David Isiavwe, President, ISSAN and Mr. Wale Oshodi, NCRIB at the Business Journal Fintech & Financial Inclusion Roundtable 2026 held in Lagos last Friday.
Being text of the speech by Mr. Akinjide Orimolade, President/Chairman of Council, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) at the 3rd Business Journal Fintech & Financial Inclusion Roundtable 2026 in Lagos.
It is my distinct honour and privilege to address this distinguished gathering of policymakers, regulators, captains of industry, innovators, technology experts, financial institutions, development partners, members of the media and all stakeholders assembled for the 3rd Business Journal FinTech’26 and Financial Inclusion Roundtable.
Permit me to commend the organisers for sustaining this important platform that continues to stimulate conversations around one of the most transformative forces shaping our economy—financial technology. The theme of this year’s Roundtable, “FinTech: Driving the Future of Digital Financial Ecosystem in Nigeria,” is timely and reflects the realities of an increasingly digital world where innovation is redefining the way financial services are created, delivered and consumed.
We are privileged to live in an era where technology is dismantling traditional barriers to financial access. Today, a farmer in a remote village, a market trader, a small business owner, a young entrepreneur or a student can access financial services with just a mobile device. This remarkable transformation demonstrates that technology is no longer merely an enabler; it has become the foundation upon which the future of finance is being built.
For the insurance industry, this digital revolution presents enormous opportunities. As insurers, we have traditionally been viewed as providers of financial protection. However, in today’s rapidly evolving environment, we must go beyond conventional business models to embrace innovation that delivers faster, smarter and more inclusive insurance solutions.
Financial inclusion cannot be achieved without insurance inclusion. A financially included society is one where individuals and businesses not only have access to savings, payments and credit, but are equally protected against unforeseen risks that threaten their livelihoods and economic stability. Insurance therefore remains an indispensable pillar of any resilient financial ecosystem.
Across Nigeria, we are witnessing encouraging developments in digital insurance. Mobile applications, embedded insurance, artificial intelligence, big data analytics, blockchain technology and digital payment solutions are transforming underwriting, claims processing and customer engagement. These innovations are making insurance simpler, more transparent and increasingly accessible to millions of Nigerians who have historically remained underserved.
Nevertheless, while technology continues to create unprecedented opportunities, it also presents new challenges. Cybersecurity threats, data privacy concerns, digital fraud, regulatory compliance, consumer protection and the growing skills gap require deliberate attention from every stakeholder. Innovation must therefore be accompanied by robust governance, ethical leadership and effective regulation that inspire public confidence.
As a professional body committed to the advancement of insurance education and practice, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria recognises that our greatest asset remains our people. Technology may automate processes, but professionalism, competence, integrity and ethical judgment cannot be replaced. Our responsibility is therefore to equip insurance professionals with the digital knowledge, analytical skills and innovative mindset required to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven marketplace.
At CIIN, we remain committed to supporting the industry’s digital transformation through continuous professional education, strategic partnerships, curriculum development, research and capacity building. We believe that collaboration among regulators, insurers, fintech companies, financial institutions, technology providers, academia and policymakers is essential if Nigeria is to realise the full benefits of a digitally inclusive financial ecosystem.
I must also acknowledge the critical roles being played by our regulators and industry leaders in creating an enabling environment that encourages innovation while maintaining financial stability and consumer confidence. Sustainable progress can only be achieved when regulation evolves alongside innovation.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the future belongs to institutions that are willing to innovate, collaborate and adapt. The question before us is no longer whether digital transformation will happen—it is already happening. The real question is whether we are adequately prepared to lead this transformation or merely respond to it.
As professionals, we must embrace lifelong learning. As institutions, we must invest in innovation. As regulators, we must foster policies that encourage responsible technological advancement. As industry leaders, we must place the customer at the centre of every innovation we develop.
The conversations we hold today must not end within these conference walls. They should translate into practical actions, stronger partnerships, improved policies and measurable outcomes that expand financial inclusion, deepen insurance penetration and accelerate Nigeria’s economic development.
I have every confidence that the quality of speakers, panellists and participants gathered here will generate valuable insights capable of shaping the future of Nigeria’s digital financial ecosystem.
On behalf of the Governing Council, Management, Staff and Members of Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, I congratulate the organisers of the 3rd Business Journal FinTech’26 and Financial Inclusion Roundtable for convening this important dialogue.
I wish all participants productive deliberations and look forward to the innovative ideas and practical recommendations that will emerge from this gathering.
Together, let us continue to build a financial ecosystem that is innovative, inclusive, secure and resilient—one that leaves no Nigerian behind.
Thank you for your kind attention and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Mr. Akinjide Orimolade, FIIN
President/Chairman of Council
Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN)
