The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, revealed on Tuesday, February 18, that his administration inherited a staggering 13-year backlog of unresolved insurance claims for the families of deceased police officers.
Egbetokun made the disclosure during the unveiling of the Police Insurance Claims Management Portal and the presentation of cheques to beneficiaries and next-of-kin of fallen officers in Abuja.
In his address, Egbetokun stated that the backlog, which spanned from 2010 to 2023, had left many families in financial hardship.
He described the situation as “unacceptable” and underscored the commitment of his administration to address it.
“At the outset of this administration, we met an alarming backlog of unsettled insurance claims, This unfortunate reality left the families of our deceased officers in financial distress, a situation we found unacceptable and determined to change.” Egbetokun said.
To address the issue, the IGP outlined the steps taken by his administration, including engaging defaulting insurance providers and enforcing compliance.
Through these efforts, significant progress has been made in clearing the backlog.
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Since taking office, the administration has disbursed benefits to 6,465 beneficiaries, with a total of N17.8 billion allocated across eight separate phases.
On Tuesday, February 18, the 9th phase of payments was launched, with another N3 billion set to be distributed to 706 beneficiaries.
This tranche covers the insurance policy years of 2020 through 2024, bringing the cumulative total to N20.8 billion, benefiting 7,171 families.
“This exercise is not merely a financial disbursement, but an affirmation of our promise to stand by the families of those who serve with honor and dignity,” Egbetokun stated.
The IGP also introduced the Nigeria Police Insurance Claims Management Portal, which aims to streamline the insurance claims process.
The portal is designed to improve efficiency, transparency, and accessibility, leveraging technology to eliminate bottlenecks and ensure a seamless experience for beneficiaries.
“This initiative reflects our broader vision of digital transformation within the Nigeria Police Force, It is our commitment to using modern solutions for effective service delivery. I urge all officers and personnel to embrace this digital revolution and utilise the portal for its intended purpose.” he explained.
The unveiling ceremony also included the commencement of an intensive training programme for Insurance Desk Officers across the country.
Egbetokun emphasised the importance of capacity building, recognising that well-trained officers are essential to ensuring the smooth processing of insurance claims.
“The training will provide officers with a robust understanding of insurance administration policies and procedures, We must ensure a seamless transition to a modernised system. I encourage all participants to take full advantage of the training, ask questions, and engage actively to enhance their proficiency.” Egbetokun said.
This digital overhaul and the ongoing insurance disbursement efforts are part of the IGP’s broader strategy to improve the welfare of police officers and their families, further solidifying the administration’s focus on officer welfare and modernisation within the Nigeria Police Force.
