Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), has given approval for the implementation of a Group Personal Accident Insurance Policy (GPAIP) designed to cover all personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in case of occupational accidents,leadership reports.
According to a statement from Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Edward Gabkwet, the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), the policy aligns well with one of the key elements of the CAS Command Philosophy, focusing on ‘Maintaining a highly motivated force by enhancing welfare and infrastructural renewal.’
While existing insurance policies administered by the Ministry of Defence and the NAF Investment Limited cover all NAF personnel, they fall short in adequately addressing certain hazards and challenges encountered in the line of duty. Recognizing this gap, a specialized insurance scheme, the GPAIP, has been reviewed and introduced to specifically address these hazards.
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During a ceremony for the agreement signing with the approved insurance broker, KBC Insurance Brokers Limited, held at NAF Headquarters on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, Air Marshal Abubakar emphasized that the GPAIP aims to incentivize NAF personnel to perform at their best, providing assurance of adequate care in the event of disability or death resulting from military operations or accidents.
He highlighted the importance of personnel welfare in achieving his command philosophy, stating that it enhances morale and contributes to sustaining professionalism within the NAF. Air Marshal Abubakar stressed the need for continuous policy review, given the diverse hazards encountered during military operations that can have life-altering consequences.
The GPAIP, as outlined in the statement, is intended to compensate for bodily injuries, death, disablement, and medical expenses caused directly by accidental, external, violent, and visible means. It will also offer compensation to the families of personnel who lose their lives during operations, along with salary reimbursement for hospitalized personnel.
Notably, the GPAIP differs from the existing Group Life Assurance Policy (GLAP) administered by the Federal Ministry of Defence. Unlike the GLAP, which benefits only the families of personnel in case of death without covering medical expenses arising from accidents, the GPAIP is comprehensive. It provides benefits to personnel and their families in the event of death, covering medical bills, compensation for temporary or permanent disability, and other related matters.
