The Institute of Loss Adjusters of Nigeria (ILAN) has announced a significant upward review of its professional fee structure, effective January 1, 2026. The decision follows finalized negotiations with the Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), marking the first comprehensive fee adjustment for the sector since 1992.
ILAN President Ikechukwu Udobi confirmed during a Lagos press briefing that both parties have reached a final agreement, pending administrative formalities. He noted that while the outcome does not fully satisfy all of ILAN’s initial demands, it constitutes substantial progress. “The NIA has issued a directive to their members on the new scale of fees we finally agreed on,” Udobi stated. A key feature of the agreement is a built-in clause mandating a review every three to five years, contingent on economic indicators, to prevent a repeat of the 34-year gap that eroded adjusters’ earnings through inflation.
As the umbrella body for professionals engaged in insurance claim investigation, verification, and settlement, ILAN’s fee revision directly impacts the technical support infrastructure of Nigeria’s insurance market. Founded in 1981, the institute embarked on this review process under its previous leadership. Udobi expressed gratitude for the consensus achieved, adding that members are pleased with the development, though he cautioned, “it’s not eureka yet.”
In tandem with the fee adjustment, ILAN is committing to enhanced professional standards. Udobi pledged that increased revenue will fund further training and skill development for adjusters, ensuring improved service delivery to the insurance industry. “There will be more revenue to enable adjusters to go for further training. It is a promise we are making,” he said.
Beyond immediate financial matters, ILAN is developing a long-term strategic roadmap to guide the institute’s growth over the next decade. The initiative aims to cement leadership continuity and institutionalize policies, safeguarding against reversals with new administrations. “Developing the roadmap collectively ensures that future administrations remain aligned with long-term goals,” Udobi explained.
The fee review is poised to bolster the financial sustainability of loss adjusting practices in Nigeria, while the associated commitments to training and strategic planning seek to elevate the profession’s technical capacity and stability within the broader insurance ecosystem. The developments signal a concerted effort to modernize a critical segment of the nation’s insurance claims management framework.
