‎‎Nigeria will host key stakeholders from across West Africa for the first 2026 zonal meeting of the ECOWAS Brown Card Insurance Scheme, as industry leaders and regulators gather in Lagos to advance cross-border motor insurance operations, improve claims settlement systems, and deepen regional integration.

‎The four-day meeting, scheduled to hold from April 13 to April 16, 2026, will take place at the Grand Ballroom of Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos, under the auspices of the Nigerian National Bureau of the ECOWAS Brown Card Scheme.

‎The ECOWAS Brown Card Scheme is a regional motor insurance framework designed to guarantee compensation for third-party victims of road traffic accidents involving foreign motorists within member states. The initiative plays a critical role in facilitating safer and more seamless cross-border movement across the West African sub-region.
‎Industry leaders, regulatory authorities, national bureaux, and other stakeholders are expected to attend the meeting, which serves as a key platform for policy dialogue, operational review, and strategic alignment within the Scheme’s governance structure.

‎With the theme, “The Digital Divide: Managing Change in the Brown Card Operational Strategy for Effective Cross-Border Claims Settlement,” discussions will centre on addressing technological gaps and improving operational efficiency across member countries.

‎Participants are expected to explore measures to strengthen cross-border claims management systems, enhance data integrity and transparency, and promote real-time processing of claims. The meeting will also examine ways to address disparities in operational capacity among member states, while advancing regulatory alignment and institutional coordination.

‎The Nigerian National Bureau said hosting the meeting underscores the country’s commitment to deepening regional integration and improving the effectiveness and sustainability of the ECOWAS Brown Card Scheme.

‎The Bureau added that it remains committed to initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and uphold the integrity of the Scheme, which continues to serve as a vital tool for protecting road users across borders.
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The ECOWAS Brown Card Scheme provides third-party liability insurance coverage for motorists travelling within member states, ensuring prompt and equitable compensation for victims of cross-border road accidents. In Nigeria, the Brown Card is automatically included in motor insurance policies at no extra cost and is issued by licensed insurers.

‎The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Bureau, Dr. Raphael Abiiba, endorsed the statement announcing the meeting.