Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the Chief of the Air Staff, has given his approval for the implementation of a comprehensive Group Personal Accident Insurance Policy (GPAIP) for all personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). This decision comes as a supplement to the existing Group Life Assurance Policy by the Ministry of Defence, which primarily caters to families of military personnel in the event of death during active duty but falls short in addressing medical expenses resulting from accidents.
Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, clarified that the new GPAIP is aligned with the Air Chief’s strategic vision, emphasizing enhanced welfare and infrastructure renewal to maintain a highly motivated force.
While various existing insurance policies administered by the Ministry of Defence and NAF Investment Limited cover personnel, they do not sufficiently address specific hazards and challenges encountered in the course of military careers. The introduction of a specialized insurance scheme became necessary to address these unique circumstances.
Under the GPAIP, NAF personnel will be provided with incentives to deliver their best, with the assurance of comprehensive care in the event of disability or death resulting from military operations or accidents. The insurance coverage encompasses compensation for bodily injuries, death, disablement, and the payment of medical expenses arising directly from accidents, external, violent, and visible means during the course of duty.
The NAF has entered into a contract with KBC Insurance Brokers Limited to administer the policy, ensuring that personnel and their families receive adequate compensation and support. The GPAIP is designed to cover a range of scenarios, including compensation for families of personnel who lose their lives accidentally during operations, salary reimbursement for injured personnel during hospitalization, and comprehensive coverage for medical bills in the case of accidents or permanent disabilities.
Gabkwet emphasized that the GPAIP represents a holistic approach to personnel welfare, extending support to families and individuals affected by various circumstances encountered in the line of duty.