The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has revealed that his administration is dealing with a staggering backlog of 13 years of unresolved insurance claims intended for the families of deceased police personnel.
Speaking at a special event in Abuja on Tuesday, where the Nigeria Police Insurance Claims Management Portal was launched, Egbetokun reaffirmed his dedication to addressing this matter. The event also included the distribution of cheques to the next-of-kin of fallen officers and the introduction of a specialized training program for Insurance Desk Officers across the nation.
“At the beginning of this administration, we encountered a concerning backlog of unresolved insurance claims dating from 2010 to 2023,” he explained.
“This unfortunate circumstance has caused financial hardship for the families of our deceased officers, a situation we found intolerable and are committed to changing. We took prompt measures to engage non-compliant insurance providers and enforce adherence to their responsibilities, and these focused efforts have yielded significant progress.”
Egbetokun elaborated on the strides made in clearing the backlog, mentioning that prior to this latest distribution, his administration had already provided benefits to 6,465 beneficiaries in eight different rounds, amounting to ₦17.8 billion.
To further this initiative, he announced an additional ₦3 billion would be allocated to 706 beneficiaries, covering insurance policy years from 2020 to 2024.
“Today’s cheque presentation represents the ninth phase of distribution under this administration, bringing the total sum to ₦20.8 billion, benefiting 7,171 families,” the IGP noted.
“This undertaking is not merely a financial gesture but a reaffirmation of our commitment to support the families of those who serve with integrity and honor.”
To facilitate a more streamlined claims process, Egbetokun introduced the Nigeria Police Insurance Claims Management Portal, a digital platform designed to improve efficiency, transparency, and accessibility. He highlighted that utilizing technology would eliminate bureaucratic obstacles and improve operational workflows.
“This initiative embodies our broader vision for digital transformation within the Nigeria Police Force, reinforcing our commitment to employing modern solutions for effective service delivery,” he remarked.
He urged all police personnel to adopt the digital platform, emphasizing, “It is crucial that we collectively work towards its success as part of our ongoing initiatives to enhance welfare administration within the Nigeria Police Force.”
Acknowledging the vital role of trained personnel in processing claims, Egbetokun also launched an extensive training program for Insurance Desk Officers. He highlighted the necessity of equipping officers with the knowledge and skills essential for effective claims handling.
“The training will offer a comprehensive understanding of insurance administration policies and procedures, ensuring a smooth transition to a more modernized system,” he stated.
Encouraging active involvement, he urged officers to fully engage in the program by asking questions, participating in discussions, and advancing their expertise.
The Inspector-General reiterated his dedication to prioritizing the welfare of police officers and their families, assuring that his administration would persist in implementing policies that ensure their well-being.
