By Henry Uche
Leadway Assurance, in partnership with Wafira Ntaba Limited, is launching a tailor-made insurance policy for Nigerian women operating in the Small and Medium Enterprises informal sector of the economy.
The product, Plan B Insurance, comes in simplified and affordable packages for as low as twenty-six thousand Naira per quarter, broadening financial inclusion and income protection for women-led Small to Medium-sized Enterprises and lifestyle protection for women across different social strata in Nigeria.
At a media briefing in Lagos, Leadway affirmed that one uniqueness of the Plan B product was in its single-wide coverage from risks and perils related to auto insurance, healthcare, personal accident, fire, burglary, life insurance, and education, cutting across its different product packages – SME, Corporate, and Premier packages.
The visionary behind the innovative Plan B Insurance for Nigerian women, Ayona Aguele Trimnell, shared the inspiration behind the products. “Plan B is an idea that has been in development for 10 years. As I explored insurance products aimed at women in other countries, I recognized the need for an insurance product that promotes financial inclusion in Nigeria, specifically for women.
“I believed we could create something that addresses their unique concerns. Women need to understand how insurance can alleviate their worries and the benefits of being insured. I have personally enjoyed the advantages of insurance for over fifteen years, and I believe other women should have the opportunity to experience the same benefits.”
Trimnell maintained that the product focuses on gender-inspired market penetration, amplifying insurance benefits and helping more women secure a financially secure future. She added that it has been proven and tested that women do buy insurance, but more women need to be aware and get insured.
“Financial inclusion is important and achievable, and we can make it happen if we put in a deliberate effort to educate more women about insurance, simplify the benefits to help even the uneducated understand, and be convinced to secure their future by becoming policyholders.”
Kike Fischer, Leadway’s Director of Sales, Retail, and Partnerships, discussed the market approach for the Plan B product, stating, “We are confident that these products will help women of all classes in Nigeria create and protect wealth, recover from economic challenges, pursue their purposes, and lead their families with peace of mind.”
Fischer assured that the products would reach women in every household, having developed strategies to engage women in small socioeconomic groups. However, it would require increased effort, particularly at the retail level. “There will be questions, and we must be prepared to provide answers. Our goal is to help women understand insurance and encourage them to actively participate in driving financial inclusion. This begins with securing their futures and then spreading awareness.”
She explained that the initiative is to educate women about insurance and how it can help them achieve financial independence. By partnering with the Plan B product, Leadway has reinforced its commitment to promoting financial inclusion and ensuring secure financial futures for women.