‎Fortis Global Insurance Plc has announced the appointment of Dr Umar Faruk Umar as an Independent Non-Executive Director and Ufuoma Ibru as a Non-Executive Director on its board, following approval by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM).
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The company disclosed this in a notification to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) and the investing public dated August 13, 2026.
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According to the insurer, the appointments are part of efforts to further strengthen its board with experienced professionals capable of providing strategic direction and enhancing corporate governance.
‎Umar, who brings more than 40 years of professional experience, including over three decades in board and corporate governance, is an educationist, public servant and corporate director.
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He holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Wisconsin, United States, and has undertaken executive education and corporate governance programmes at Harvard University, Stanford University and INSEAD.
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He previously served on the boards of Ashaka Cement Plc, CCNN Plc and the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO), where he chaired and served on various committees covering audit, risk management, governance, finance and establishment.
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He currently serves on the boards of GTL Registrars Limited and the Nigerian Capital Market Development Fund.
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Fortis Global Insurance said his experience in corporate governance, risk management, finance and strategic oversight would add significant value to the board.
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Ibru, the newly appointed Non-Executive Director, is a legal practitioner with extensive professional and board experience spanning hospitality, tourism and financial services.
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He has served on the boards of Ikeja Hotel Plc, The Tourist Company of Nigeria Plc and Icon Stockbrokers Limited.
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He holds a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Oxford and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2003. He also holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Mechatronic Engineering from the University of London.
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The insurer said Ibru brings considerable expertise in corporate governance, strategic management, legal and regulatory affairs, investment transactions and stakeholder engagement.
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The company expressed confidence that the appointments would strengthen the board and support its growth and expansion, noting that the two directors would contribute their wealth of experience to the effective discharge of the board’s responsibilities.
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The appointments come as Nigeria’s insurance industry continues to undergo significant regulatory and structural changes following the recapitalisation exercise supervised by NAICOM, with insurers increasingly required to strengthen their governance, risk management and strategic capacity.
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The current board of Fortis Global Insurance is chaired by Akin Iroko, with Rohan Fernando, Musa Lawan, Abiodun Sanusi and Nelson Ahaneku serving as Non-Executive Directors. Nomwen Emeghalu is the Managing Director, while Olutayo Amore serves as Executive Director, Technical.
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The notification was signed by Halima Jimada, Company Secretary/Legal Adviser.