SUNU Assurances lists N9.34bn new shares on NGX, plots AI-driven growth
By Aboki Forex —
SUNU Assurances Nigeria Plc has listed an additional 2,075,285,714 ordinary shares valued at N9.34 billion on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX). The listing moves the insurer into a post-recapitalisation phase focused on artificial intelligence, digital transformation and product innovation.
The new shares were listed on August 31, 2026, following a Rights Issue executed at N4.50 per share. Shareholders got five new shares for every 14 held, according to a company filing with the NGX published on Friday, September 4, 2026.
Share capital and market position
The listing raised SUNU's issued shares from 5,810,800,000 to 7,886,085,714. At the closing share price of N3.29 on September 4, the enlarged issued share capital was worth approximately N25.95 billion. The stock closed up 1.86% from N3.23.
SUNU began the year at N5.50. It has declined 40.18% year-to-date and trades 26.89% below its N4.50 Rights Issue price.
What the board and management say
Speaking at the company's 39th Annual General Meeting (AGM), Chairman Mr. Kyari Bukar said the Board and Management acted proactively by developing a comprehensive recapitalisation strategy and obtaining shareholders' approval.
“The successful exercise has strengthened our company's ability to pursue its long-term strategic objectives from a stronger position to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the insurance market,” he said.
“Having met the Minimum Capital Requirement, SUNU is now well positioned to pursue sustainable technology-driven growth and improved returns to shareholders while maintaining a strong capital base and proactive regulatory readiness,” the Chairman added.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Samuel Ogbodu said SUNU's 2026 strategy would focus on operational efficiency, market expansion, digital transformation and product innovation. He promised improved returns to shareholders.
“We plan to improve claims management and internal processes, strengthen cost optimisation and accelerate digital adoption to provide faster and more accessible services,” said the CEO. “SUNU will develop products tailored to the protection needs of individuals, households and businesses, with particular attention to retail and SME customers.”
A shareholder, Mrs. Esther Obideyi, urged the company to deploy artificial intelligence more aggressively in marketing its products and improving visibility. SUNU responded by promising that digital transformation and customer experience would remain key parts of its growth strategy.
Financial performance and recapitalisation
SUNU's recapitalisation was driven by NIIRA 2025, which raised the minimum capital requirement for non-life insurers from N3 billion to N15 billion. That created an N9 billion capital gap for SUNU as of September 2025. The company approved an N9.33 billion Rights Issue, offering 2.075 billion new shares at N4.50 each.
Gross insurance revenue increased 41.1%, from N15.3 billion in 2024 to N21.6 billion in 2025. Gross Premium Written rose 30.05% from N13.03 billion to N17 billion, while the company also reported gross premiums written of N22.7 billion for FY 2025. Net Premium Income increased 8% to N9.06 billion, and investment income grew nearly 13.9%, supported by favourable placements with financial institutions.
Operating profit fell to N2.1 billion from N4.2 billion, despite the stronger top line. The insurer paid N7.8 billion in claims in 2025, up from N4.8 billion, underscoring the need to balance expansion with underwriting discipline.
Shareholders at the AGM ratified the appointments of three new directors: Lucie Tannous Barry as Independent Non-Executive Director, Roland Zwewendpaogré Ouedraogo as Non-Executive Director, and Olayinka Adaramola as Executive Director, Technical Operations. The appointments received NAICOM approvals. Shareholders also approved TAC Professional Services as the company's new external auditor, replacing SIAO Partners.