Organisers of the 2026 Almond Insurance Industry Awards have officially opened nominations for this year’s edition, with a pledge to uphold transparency, fairness and industry relevance in recognising excellence across Nigeria’s insurance sector.

Speaking at the nomination press conference held in Lagos, Chairman of the 2026 Almond Insurance Industry Awards Panel of Judges, Sir Ogala Osoka, said the awards remain a strategic platform for promoting insurance awareness and celebrating individuals and organisations making significant contributions to the industry’s growth.

Osoka noted that despite sustained efforts by stakeholders, including the media, to increase insurance awareness, a considerable gap still exists between awareness and actual insurance penetration in Nigeria.

According to him, the Almond Insurance Industry Awards was created to help bridge this gap by spotlighting positive developments within the industry and rewarding professionals and institutions that continue to drive innovation, customer value and market expansion.

He announced that the 2026 edition, themed “The Reemergence,” will hold on November 6, 2026, at the Stable Event Place, Surulere, Lagos, bringing together policymakers, insurance professionals, entertainers and members of the insuring public.

“The purpose of the awards remains unchanged – recognising and rewarding the outstanding efforts of men and women across the different arms of the industry who work tirelessly to promote and sell insurance, often under challenging circumstances, while also celebrating companies leading change and delivering real value to stakeholders,” he said.

Osoka disclosed that the awards categories, streamlined in recent years to align with international standards, would be maintained in 2026, with the introduction of a new category, Insurtech Company of the Year, to reflect the growing role of technology in insurance operations and service delivery.

The voting categories include Insurance CEO of the Year, Insurance Woman of the Year, Life Insurance Company of the Year, General Insurance Company of the Year, Insurance Broker of the Year, Insurance Broking Company of the Year, Takaful Company of the Year, Micro Insurance Company of the Year, Most Valuable Insurance Customer of the Year and Insurtech Company of the Year.

Non-voting categories include the Insurance Life Achievers Award and the Special Recognition Award.
He assured stakeholders that the panel of judges would ensure the credibility and integrity of the selection process.

“I have been called upon to chair the panel this year alongside a team of distinguished professionals. Our duty is to ensure fairness and integrity throughout the process, and we will do our utmost best to uphold these values,” he stated.

Nominations opened on May 26 and will close on June 30, 2026. Following the nomination phase, the panel will review submissions, compile shortlists and supervise a transparent voting process ahead of the awards ceremony.

The judging panel comprises Osoka as chairman; Rotimi Okpaise, Executive Chairman of Zamara Consulting Actuaries Nigeria; Obinna Chilekezie; Jean Chiazor Anishere; Rasaaq Obomeile Salami; and Hakeem Ogunniran.

Osoka called on media organisations and industry stakeholders to continue supporting the awards by publicising each stage of the process to ensure broad participation and impact across the insurance landscape.

Further information about the awards, including nomination details, is available on the official website, almondinsuranceindustryawards.com⁠