INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue XIV November 2025| Special Issue on Management
in Nigeria were defined as employees and self-employed individuals with an annual income of N250,000 or less
(Kama & Adigun, 2014). However, at present, the majority of individuals in Nigeria earning 750,000 naira or
less are classified as low-income earners, with common occupations including petty trading, farming, teaching,
and artisan work (National Bureau of Statistics, 2022). A survey from the National Bureau of Statistics (2022)
shows that about 63% of the Nigerian population are low-income earners. This indicates that a significant portion
of Nigeria's population is low-income.
Notwithstanding, the microinsurance sector in Nigeria is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate
(CAGR) of 2.2% from 2021 to 2031 (Inyang & Okonkwo, 2022). This signifies a steady but slow pace. A large
proportion of low-income individuals lack health insurance, with fewer than 5% having employer-sponsored
coverage (Ime & Ikechukwu, 2017). Also, only 7% of farmers had crop insurance (Ime & Ikechukwu, 2017).
Hence, Nigeria's microinsurance coverage and penetration remain behind those of peer nations, despite its
significant market potential. Uduakobong et al. (2022) assert that the microinsurance sector, when properly
structured and managed, has the potential to significantly reduce the economic vulnerability of low-income
households while also serving as a lucrative market for commercial insurance providers (Akaayar, 2025).
Microinsurance provides a variety of coverage options, including property, health, life, and livestock insurance.
It is designed to offer risk management and financial protection for individuals who are often vulnerable to
unexpected events (Adebayo, 2019). However, limited financial literacy and distrust among low-income groups
hinder the widespread adoption of microinsurance products (Inyang & Okonkwo, 2022; Ime & Ikechukwu,
2017). Perception shapes willingness to purchase, while awareness influences understanding of benefits and trust
in service providers. As a consequence, this investigation examines the key factors influencing low-income
groups' perceptions and needs regarding microinsurance.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Conceptual Review and Analysis
Micro insurance refers to affordable insurance solutions designed for low-income individuals, focusing on risk
pooling to provide compensation to both individuals and groups (Inyang & Okonkwo, 2022). For
Ajemunigbohun et al. (2015), micro-insurance is a financial arrangement designed to protect poor individuals
from specific risks, requiring regular premium payments that reflect the risk's likelihood and cost. They further
clarify that the size of the risk carrier does not define micro-insurance, the scope of the risk faced by households,
or the delivery channels used, which may include various organizations such as community-based schemes and
credit unions (Ajemunigbohun et al., 2015). On a similar note, Platteau et al. (2017) equated micro-insurance as
community-based financing arrangements, such as community health funds and mutual health organizations.
These schemes have emerged in environments characterized by economic challenges, political instability, and
poor governance. The most emphasized feature is the community's active role in revenue collection, resource
allocation, and service provision. Still, Uduakobong et al. (2022) described micro-insurance as an economic tool
operating at the micro level, enabling local decision-making rather than reliance on distant governments or
organizations.
Microinsurance originated from two decades of microfinance research, yet many people remain unaware of its
difference from other types of insurance. This poor understanding of the difference between micro-insurance
and other insurance types has contributed to the target audience's limited engagement with micro-insurance
products in Nigeria (Uduakobong & Ikeotuonye, 2022; Banjo & Oloyede, 2021). Microinsurance, as analyzed
by Akaayar (2025), refers to insurance products designed for low-income individuals, distinguishing itself from
general insurance through its low value, reduced premiums, and limited benefits. Similarly, Lawuyi (2025)
highlighted that microinsurance products are characterized by their simplicity (available in vernacular or native
languages), pricing range (from N15,000 to N1.5 million annually), policy term (maximum of 15 years), and
limited benefits (not exceeding N25 million).
Theoretical Frameworks and Hypotheses Development
The theoretical framework for this study is based on consumer perception theory. The theory emphasizes the
significant impact of consumer perceptions on their behavior within the market. It highlights the processes
Page 3156