By Odita Sunday
The Force Insurance Officer, ACP Lydia Ameh, has commended the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, for his commitment to the welfare of police personnel and families of officers who died in active service.
Ameh said the payment of outstanding insurance benefits to the families of the fallen officers demonstrated the IGP’s determination to translate personnel welfare policies into tangible support for police families.
She described insurance as a promise that families of deceased officers would not be abandoned following the loss of their breadwinners in the course of national service.
The Force Insurance Officer also assured police personnel and their families that the Force Insurance Unit would continue to strengthen claims administration, pursue outstanding obligations and protect the interests of beneficiaries.
The Nigeria Police Force has released N2.317 billion in insurance benefits to 2,971 families of police officers and men who died in active service, covering several insurance years under the Group Life Assurance, Group Personal Accident and Inspector-General of Police Family Welfare Insurance Schemes.
Ameh disclosed this on Thursday during the presentation of cheques to the beneficiaries, noting that the exercise went beyond the disbursement of funds to fulfil an institutional responsibility to families who lost their loved ones in service to the nation.
According to her, the payments cover the 2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023 and 2024/2025 insurance years.
She put the total amount involved at N2,317,177,094.
Ameh said some of the payments represented recoveries from insurance companies whose claims had remained unpaid for several years, while others were from insurance companies that had kept up to date with their obligations.
She attributed the development to the IGP’s commitment to pursuing outstanding claims and ensuring that eligible families received their entitlements.
Commending IGP Disu, Ameh described his leadership as compassionate and people-centred, saying his administration had demonstrated that personnel welfare must translate into real support for officers, men and their families rather than remain a statement in a policy document.
She told the families of the fallen officers that although no amount of money could replace their loved ones, the financial support was intended to provide some relief and assist them in meeting their responsibilities.
She urged the beneficiaries to use the funds wisely, particularly for family welfare and the education of their children.
Ameh further pledged that the Force Insurance Unit would continue to improve the insurance system and claims administration while pursuing outstanding obligations owed by insurance companies.
She said the unit considered it a privilege and responsibility to serve under a police administration that had placed personnel welfare prominently on its institutional agenda.
The Force Insurance Officer also paid tribute to the deceased officers and men, saying their sacrifices in the service of the nation would not be in vain.
The cheque presentation ceremony was attended by members of the Force Management Team, senior police officers, representatives of insurance companies, invited dignitaries, families of the fallen officers and members of the press.
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