By Victor Akaa.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has presented cheques to the first set of beneficiaries of its Group Personal Accident Insurance Policy (GPAIP).
Presenting the cheques to 13 beneficiaries of GPAID benefits on Monday at the NAF Headquarters, Abuja the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, emphasized the importance of recognizing and rewarding selfless service.
He noted that the policy addresses a critical and comprehensive welfare need of NAF personnel who suffer bodily injuries, temporary or permanent disabilities, or the death in line of duty.
He said since its commencement on January 1, 2024, 14 NAF personnel have been involved in accidents resulting in death, with the first set of beneficiaries being the next of kin of the deceased personnel.
Air Marshal Abubakar notes that the GPAIP offers compensation for incapacitation, medical expenses, and salary reimbursement while hospitalized. “In response to the Clarion call, Nigerian Air Force personnel face constant exposure to extreme hazards that carry the risk of life-altering consequences or, in the worst cases, tragic loss of life.
“It is in the light of this reality that the Nigerian Air Force established various welfare insurance incentives to cushion the impact of workplace accidents on our personnel and their families.
“While earlier policies primarily focused on life insurance, we recognized a gap, as there was no specific coverage for those who had become disabled or injured in the course of duty,” the CAS noted.
Air Marshal Abubakar commended Koguna Babura Insurance Brokers Ltd for their partnership in implementing the GPAIP. He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership and commitment to the welfare and training of the Armed Forces.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chief of Administration (COA), AVM Idi Sani said the presentation of cheques to the first set of beneficiaries of the Nigerian Air Force’s GPAIP exemplifies the CAS’s priority on the welfare of personnel, stating that it remains a central focus of his administration.
He highlighted the NAF’s efforts in providing standard accommodation, revamping schools and hospitals’ infrastructure, and ensuring personnel are insured against adverse outcomes from active engagements.
According to him, GPAIP is an additional incentive to cushion the impact of accidents on personnel and their families. The COA explained that a comprehensive handbook detailing the policy’s scope has been distributed to all NAF units.
He commiserated with the families, reassuring them that the NAF leadership will continue to support their well-being and praised the CAS efforts of making sure the insurance policy becomes a reality.
Mr. Yusuf Yakubu expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) on behalf of the 13 beneficiaries, recognizing that while their loss is irreparable, the CAS’s outstanding leadership and kindness have been a tremendous source of comfort and consolation.
The NAF has made remarkable efforts towards providing standard accommodation and revamping schools and hospitals’ infrastructure to cater to its serving and retired personnel and their families, Enugu Reporters reported.
