By David Akinmola
The Almond initiative, designed to deepen public trust, raise awareness, and boost insurance penetration in Nigeria, has recorded unprecedented growth in participation for its 2025 awards, signalling its rising influence in the industry.
Now in its third year, the Almond Awards attracted 914 nominations in 2025 more than double the 392 nominations received in 2024. Organisers say the surge reflects the awards’ growing acceptance, market impact, and ability to foster healthy competition among industry players.
Prisca Soares, Chairman of the Awards Panel of Judges, said the platform has become a key driver of industry recognition, stakeholder engagement, and consumer-focused excellence.
“More people are participating because they see value in recognition and believe winning is possible,” Soares said. “This has heightened awareness and competition within and beyond the insurance sector, encouraging excellence, rewarding performance, and ultimately benefiting consumers.”
She noted that this year’s meticulous month-long nomination process saw strong participation from insurance company executives, corporate organisations, individual clients, and even state governments, with all entries strictly following set criteria.
The 2025 edition also introduced new measures to strengthen integrity and reduce duplicate voting, including the deployment of a One Time Password (OTP) system for the voting process, which is currently underway and will close on September 5.
“All nominees across various categories underwent rigorous screening and due process before being shortlisted,” Soares said, adding that the Awards Nite is scheduled for November 7, 2025.
Industry watchers say the growing prominence of the Almond Awards reflects a wider push to promote transparency, professionalism, and innovation in Nigeria’s insurance sector values seen as critical to improving market penetration and public confidence
