IGP disburses over 13bn to slain, injured police officers’ families
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Baba, has presented insurance cheques worth over N13 billion to families of police officers slain and injured in the line of duty between 2012 and 2021.
Speaking during the presentation of cheques to over 6,000 families of deceased officers and those injured or rendered disabled, Thursday at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, the police boss noted that, “The Group Life Assurance Scheme, which was introduced as a result of the Pension Reform Act 2004 and amended in 2014, and the Group Personal Accident Insurance Scheme are welfare packages fully funded by the federal government for personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.
“However, due to paucity of funds, the Federal Government could not fund the schemes successfully and this created gaps which led to a backlog of unpaid insurance claims from 2012 to 2020.
“On my assumption in office in April 2021, my attention was drawn to this development. Consequently, an urgent representation was made to President Muhammadu Buhari requesting for the release of funds to enable us pay all outstanding claims to the families of deceased police officers.
“It was with great relief that Mr. President appreciated my representation and graciously approved the release of the sum of N13,628,535,580 to pay the backlog of 6,184 personnel that had previously fallen under the uninsured/uncovered periods of Group Life Assurance and Group Personal Accident Insurance Scheme, covering from 2012 – 2020.”
He disclosed that, “…following my approval the NPF has incorporated the Nigeria Police Insurance Company. As soon as the practice license is granted, the company will be solely responsible for all insurance related issues concerning the Force.
“It should be noted that the Nigeria Police institution is the single largest agency in this country for purpose of insurance contributions, yet, we have not been maximising this strength as it has been third party insurance companies that have been responsible for processing our claims.
“With this initiative we will be wholly responsible for our insurance needs and it is my conviction that this will ease the insurance processing of personnel.”
The police boss vowed to ensure police officers were adequately catered for in the event of injury or permanent disability due to the risks associated with policing, and that families of deceased police officers were adequately catered for in the absence of their bread winners.
The IGP, while reiterating the value of human life and wholeness, emphasized that prompt payment of insurance and other benefits due to officers would greatly boost their morale and ensure they put in their best in service to the nation.
