MOTOR VEHICLES (THIRD PARTY LIABILITY INSURANCE) (ECOWAS BROWN CARD SCHEME) ACT
Act · Transport
An Act implements the ECOWAS Brown Card scheme for third-party insurance across member states. It targets Nigerian motorists traveling abroad, incoming vehicles, and insurance providers. This facilitates seamless cross-border road transport.
MOTOR VEHICLES (THIRD PARTY LIABILITY INSURANCE) (ECOWAS BROWN CARD SCHEME) ACT
What Is This Policy?
An Act implementing the ECOWAS Brown Card insurance scheme which provides third party motor vehicle insurance cover valid across all ECOWAS member states for vehicles crossing borders within West Africa.
Who Does It Target?
Nigerian motorists travelling to other ECOWAS countries Vehicles from other ECOWAS states entering Nigeria Insurance companies issuing Brown Cards ECOWAS border control officers
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Facilitate seamless road transport across ECOWAS member states by providing a regional motor insurance card that is recognised in all 15 member countries.
Key Features
Regional Coverage: The ECOWAS Brown Card provides third party insurance cover in all ECOWAS member states. Standardised Format: Brown Card is issued in a standardised format recognised at all ECOWAS borders. Compensation System: Each member state has a National Bureau that processes compensation claims under the scheme. Compulsory for Cross-Border: The Brown Card is compulsory for vehicles crossing ECOWAS borders.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: All ECOWAS member states (15 countries) Beneficiaries: Cross-border road transport; accident victims in ECOWAS countries Funding: Insurance premiums
How to Access
Purchase an ECOWAS Brown Card from any licensed insurer before travelling to another ECOWAS country Display the Brown Card visibly in the vehicle Claims filed with the National Bureau of the country where the accident occurred Application method: Purchase at any NAICOM-licensed insurer issuing Brown Cards.
Important Terms
The Brown Card supplements but does not replace the compulsory national third party insurance Validity period must cover the entire period of travel Nigerian Bureau processes claims by foreign motorists who have accidents in Nigeria
Official Resources
Website: https://www.naicom.gov.ng Contact: National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) / Nigerian Insurers Association
Legal Framework
Enacted under the legislative powers of the National Assembly vested by Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution. Implements the ECOWAS Brown Card scheme established by the ECOWAS Protocol on Motor Third Party Liability Insurance, operating alongside the Insurance Act 2003, the Motor Vehicles (Third Party Insurance) Act, and the National Insurance Commission Act 1997.