The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba, has issued cheques worth N13 billion to the families of 6,184 police officers who died or were injured in the line of duty between 2012 and 2020.
Speaking at a press conference where the cheques were presented at Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Thursday, Baba explained that paucity of funds had hampered the federal government from funding the Group Life Assurance Scheme meant for police officers.
He said when the government could not fund the scheme it created gaps and led to a backlog of unpaid insurance claims from 2012 to 2020.
Baba explained that, “It should be 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 (NPF).
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“However, due to paucity of funds, the federal government could not fund the schemes successfully and this created gaps that led to a backlog of unpaid insurance claims from 2012 to 2020.
“On my assumption of office in April, 2021, my attention was drawn to this development. Consequently, an urgent representation was made to Mr President, Muhammadu Buhari, requesting for the release of funds to enable us to 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 a total 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 the years 2012 to 2020.”
The top cop, who sympathised with the families, urged them to judiciously utilise the funds in training their children, saying they should rest assured that the force under his leadership would continue to do more in advancing their welfare and that of serving personnel.
He added, “It is in furtherance to this that following my approval. The Nigeria Police Force 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 maximizing 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.
“In praying for the continuous peaceful repose of the souls of our departed colleagues, and in wishing the injured a quick recovery, I wish to use this opportunity to once again, charge us all to rededicate ourselves to the service of the nation, granted that unlike in the past, the Federal Government and indeed, citizens of this great nation have shown much faith and committed so much resources to reform the Police, enhance our welfare and close operational gaps.”
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