Nigerian Air Force Signs MoU For Group Accident Insurance Policy For Its Personnel
Princess-Ekwi Ajide Abuja
The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has begun implementation of a Group Personal Accident Insurance Policy, GPAIP, for its personnel.
The GPAIP, unlike the already existing Group Life Assurance Policy (GLAP) run by the Federal Ministry of Defence, is all encompassing, benefiting personnel, and their families in the event of death as well as covering medical bills, compensation for temporal or permanent disability and death, among other benefits.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, who approved the policy which aptly tallies with one of the key enablers of his command philosophy, dwelling on, ‘Maintaining a highly motivated force by enhancing welfare and infrastructural renewal, said several insurance policies administered by the Ministry of Defence and the NAF Investment Limited cover all NAF personnel, they, however, do not, adequately address some hazards and challenges encountered in the course of the careers of personnel.
Speaking at a brief agreement signing ceremony with the approved insurance broker, at the NAF Headquarters, Air Marshal Abubakar noted that under the GPAIP, personnel of NAF will be incentivised to give their utmost best with the assurance of adequate care in the event of disability or death during military operations or any form of accident.
According to him, the welfare of NAF personnel remains germane to the attainment of his command philosophy as it helps in boosting morale and contributing to the sustenance of professionalism.
He further noted that 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 wellbeing hence the need to review and implement a specialized insurance scheme designed to address these hazards and unique challenges became imperative.
The present contract 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.
A statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, said the scheme will provide compensation to the families of personnel who accidentally lose their lives during operations as well as salary reimbursement of the injured personnel to the NAF in the event of hospitalization.