The Institute of Loss Adjusters of Nigeria (ILAN) has announced that professional fees for loss adjusting services have been reviewed for the first time in 34 years. The new fees are set to take retrospective effect from 1 January 2026.
ILAN President Ikechukwu Udobi said this at a recent media briefing in Lagos, reported the e-newspaper Punch.
He said, “As I speak, the NIA has issued a directive to their members on the new scale of fees we finally agreed on with them. Both parties have reached a final agreement, with only administrative sign-off remaining. While the outcome may not fully meet all our initial expectations, it represents significant progress.”
The process to negotiate the fee hike started during the tenure of his predecessor, said Mr Udobi, who assumed office in late 2025.
He added, “The interesting aspect of that agreement is that there is a provision for review between three and five years if the indicators are right.”
He also said, “Before now, the last scale of fees agreed upon was in 1992. You could imagine the level of inflation that has occurred. That erodes the value of earnings. But with this new review and a period of 3–5 years set, it gives both parties opportunities to see the economic performance. If the economy is performing well, there may not be a need.”
Transformation agenda
Separately, according to a blog on the ILAN website, in November 2025, the newly elected ILAN President pledged to reposition the Institute for greater relevance and sustainability through an ambitious reform agenda anchored on innovation, financial discipline, and strategic leadership succession.
In his maiden address after assuming office, Mr Udobi announced a transformative framework he described as “BIRDS” — a symbolic acronym representing a flight pattern designed to take ILAN to new heights and ensure long-term institutional stability.
According to the ILAN President, BIRDS stands for:
B – Building Relocation: Relocating the Loss Adjusters’ House to a more conducive and befitting environment that reflects the Institute’s growth and professional stature.
I – Internal Process Improvement: Overhauling internal structures and introducing a more efficient subscription and levy system, ensuring sustainable financing and reducing dependency on borrowing.
R – Roadmap Development : Crafting a 10-year succession roadmap that clearly defines leadership progression — from Council membership to Vice Presidency and the Presidency — to promote continuity, institutional strength, and seamless administration.
D – Digital Revolution: Driving a technology-led transformation in line with the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) innovation policy, positioning loss adjusters as key players in the ongoing digital evolution within the insurance industry.
S – Status Upgrade: Pursuing chartered status acquisition, enhancing capacity-building initiatives, and deepening ILAN’s participation in insurance industry activities to strengthen visibility and professional relevance.
Mr Udobi stressed that his administration would “walk back from the culture of borrowing” by instituting systems that promote accountability, fiscal prudence, and operational efficiency.
He said, “Through the BIRDS vision, we will build a stronger, smarter, and more sustainable Institute that commands respect within the insurance ecosystem.”
ILAN is a corporate professional body. lts members provide technical support services to the insurance market in the areas of claims investigation, adjustment and settlement.
To read the original Punch article, please click on this link.