Universal Insurance to raise N15bn to meet capital rules 

Universal Insurance Plc has secured the approval of its shareholders to raise additional capital of N15 billion through a proposed recapitalisation exercise, as the insurer intensifies efforts to strengthen its balance sheet and position the company for long-term sustainability.

The approval will be granted at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) scheduled for February 5, 2026 in Lagos.

Currently, Universal Insurance’s share capital stands at N8 billion, with 16 billion ordinary shares held by existing shareholders on the NGX. The board is seeking to revalidate, authorise, and regularise 14 billion unissued ordinary shares for the planned capital raise and also secure approval to list and admit the new shares for trading

Following resolutions passed at the  Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM), Universal Insurance Plc is moving forward with a comprehensive recapitalisation programme aimed at reinforcing its capital base and improving its capacity to underwrite larger and more diversified risks.

Shareholders approved the plan to raise new equity through a combination of capital market instruments, subject to regulatory approvals, as part of efforts to meet industry capital requirements and support future growth.

Read also: Universal Insurance to drive digital innovation, product expansion in 2026

Gross premium written rose to N18.59 billion, up from N12.29 billion a year earlier, driven by increased underwriting activity across key insurance segments. Insurance revenue also grew to N14.68 billion, compared with N9.85 billion in the prior period, reflecting stronger risk acceptance and improved pricing discipline.

Despite higher insurance service expenses, the company posted an insurance service result of N1.13 billion, while net investment income surged to N2.79 billion, supported largely by fair value gains on financial assets. As a result, net insurance and investment income increased to N5.18 billion, nearly double the N2.61 billion recorded in the same period of 2024.

On the balance sheet, total assets expanded to N21.82 billion as at September 30, 2025, from N18.14 billion a year earlier, supported by growth in financial assets and investment properties. Shareholders’ funds rose to N14.38 billion, up from N12.33 billion, reflecting improved profitability and reserve accumulation.

Investors have also responded positively to Universal Insurance’s performance, with its stock delivering an 83.33 percent return in 2025, rising from N0.66 to N1.21 per share, and trading volumes exceeding 6 billion shares.

The recapitalisation initiative, combined with the improving financial performance recorded in Q3’25, underscores Universal Insurance Plc’s determination to reposition itself as a more resilient and competitive player in Nigeria’s insurance industry.

The company aims to deliver improved value to policyholders, investors, and partners, while supporting broader economic activity and generating sustainable returns for shareholders.

Moyosore Adesina is a financial journalist with interests spanning across financial reporting, insurance, manufacturing sectors, fintech, and capital markets. She simplifies financial data and transform them into compelling stories that help investors and businesses make informed decisions. With a background in accounting and hands-on experience in financial analysis, she specialises in breaking down corporate earnings, industry trends, and economic indicators for readers.

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