The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has approved the implementation of a ‘Group Personal Accident Insurance Policy’ covering all personnel within the Nigerian Air Force.
Although the Ministry of Defence has a Group Life Assurance Policy in place for military personnel, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, clarified that the existing policy exclusively caters to the families of personnel killed in action and does not encompass medical expenses arising from accidents.
Gabkwet highlighted that the newly introduced policy is in accordance with the command philosophy of the Air Chief, emphasizing the goal of sustaining a highly motivated force by enhancing welfare and renewing infrastructure.
The statement partly read, “While several insurance policies administered by the Ministry of Defence and the NAF Investment Limited cover all NAF personnel, they do not, however, adequately address some hazards and challenges encountered in the course of the careers of personnel.
“The need to review and implement a specialised insurance scheme designed to address these hazards and unique challenges thus became imperative.”
He cited Abubakar, who emphasized that the GPAIP aims to motivate NAF personnel by ensuring they receive appropriate care in cases of disability or death resulting from military operations or accidents.
Gabkwet explained that the insurance company would offer compensation for bodily injuries, death, disability, and cover medical expenses.
He added, “The execution of military operations exposes personnel to diverse levels of hazards with life-altering consequences of fatalities, hence, the need to continuously review existing policies to cater for personnel well-being.
“The contract with KBC Insurance Brokers Limited aims to provide compensation for bodily injuries, death, disablement, and payment of medical expenses solely and directly caused by accidentals, external, violent, and visible means to any of the insured personnel.
“Furthermore, the scheme will provide compensation to the families of personnel who accidentally lost their lives during operations as well as salary reimbursement of the injured personnel to the NAF in the event of hospitalization.”
Gabkwet mentioned that the revised policy would provide support to the families of personnel killed in action, while also addressing medical expenses in the event of accidents or permanent disabilities.
“The GPAIP is all-encompassing, benefiting personnel and families in the event of death as well as covering medical bills, compensation for temporal or permanent disability and death, among others,” he added.