The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has disclosed that his administration inherited an overwhelming 13-year backlog of unsettled insurance claims meant for the families of deceased police officers.
Speaking at a special event in Abuja on Tuesday, where the Nigeria Police Insurance Claims Management Portal was unveiled, Egbetokun reiterated his commitment to resolving the issue. The occasion also featured the presentation of cheques to the next-of-kin of fallen officers, as well as the inauguration of a specialized training program for Insurance Desk Officers across the country.
“At the outset of this administration, we met an alarming backlog of unsettled insurance claims from 2010 to 2023,” he revealed.
“This unfortunate reality left the families of our deceased officers in financial distress, a situation we found unacceptable and determined to change. We took immediate steps to engage defaulting insurance providers and enforce compliance, and through these determined efforts, we have made remarkable progress.”
Egbetokun detailed the progress made in clearing the backlog, noting that before the latest disbursement, his administration had already paid benefits to 6,465 beneficiaries in eight separate rounds, totaling ₦17.8 billion.
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Furthering this effort, he announced that an additional ₦3 billion would be disbursed to 706 beneficiaries, covering insurance policy years from 2020 through 2024.
“Today’s presentation marks the ninth phase of cheque distribution under this administration, bringing the cumulative total to ₦20.8 billion, benefiting 7,171 families,” the IGP stated.
“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.”
To ensure a seamless claims process, Egbetokun unveiled the Nigeria Police Insurance Claims Management Portal, a digital platform aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and accessibility. He emphasized that leveraging technology would eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks and streamline operations.
“This initiative reflects our broader vision of digital transformation within the Nigeria Police Force, reinforcing our commitment to leveraging modern solutions for effective service delivery,” he stated.
He encouraged all police personnel to embrace the digital system, adding, “It is imperative that we collectively ensure its success as part of our ongoing efforts to improve welfare administration within the Nigeria Police Force.”
Recognizing the critical role of trained personnel in facilitating claims, Egbetokun also launched an intensive training program for Insurance Desk Officers. He underscored the importance of equipping officers with the knowledge and skills needed for efficient claims processing.
“The training will provide a robust understanding of insurance administration policies and procedures to ensure a smooth transition to a modernized system,” he said.
Encouraging active participation, he urged officers to take full advantage of the program by asking questions, engaging in discussions, and improving their expertise.
The Inspector-General reaffirmed his commitment to prioritizing the welfare of police officers and their families, assuring that his administration would continue to implement policies that safeguard their well-being.