NAF Activates Group Personal Accident Insurance Policy, Presents Cheques to Beneficiaries
By Matthew Eloyi
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has officially activated the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Group Personal Accident Insurance Policy by presenting cheques to the first set of beneficiaries on Monday. The event marked a significant step towards enhancing the welfare of NAF personnel.
During the presentation, Abubakar emphasized that the policy aligns with his Command Philosophy, which focuses on “Maintaining a Highly Motivated Force by Enhancing Welfare and Infrastructural Renewal.” He highlighted that the human element remains the most critical component of any organisation, as it drives success.
“To unlock its full potential, the human element must be motivated through comprehensive welfare initiatives, including recognition, compensation, and opportunities for growth,” he said. According to him, when personnel feel valued, they become empowered to overcome obstacles and make personal sacrifices in service to the nation.
The CAS explained that the Group Personal Accident Insurance Policy provides compensation for injuries, disabilities, or death, in addition to covering medical expenses and salary reimbursement for personnel hospitalised due to accidents. The policy is designed to fill financial gaps not covered by other existing insurance schemes.
“The presentation of cheques to the first set of beneficiaries addresses a critical welfare need for the affected personnel and their families,” Abubakar noted. “While these cheques cannot undo the loss or reverse the disabilities suffered, they provide some comfort and reassure survivors that the Nigerian Air Force stands firmly with them.”
He paid tribute to fallen heroes and wounded warriors, pledging NAF’s continued support for the families they left behind. Abubakar also used the occasion to honor NAF Flying Officer David Sangokoya, who made history as the first African cadet to win the International Cadet Sword of Honour from the Royal Air Force College Cranwell.
“This achievement underscores the excellence within the NAF, proving that our officers and cadets can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world,” the air chief stated.
The Chief of Administration, NAF, AVM Idi Sani, added that the service had made strides in improving accommodation, schools, and hospital infrastructures for both serving and retired personnel. He noted that while NAF already insures personnel against active duty risks, the newly institutionalised Group Personal Accident Insurance Policy provides an extra layer of financial security.
“This policy compensates for incapacitation, offsets medical expenses resulting from accidents, and reimburses salary during hospitalisation,” Sani said.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Yusuf Yakubu, speaking on behalf of others, expressed gratitude to NAF for standing by families who lost loved ones in service. He acknowledged the irreplaceable nature of their losses but took solace in the fact that their family members’ sacrifices were not in vain.
“Under your administration, you went beyond rhetoric by ensuring that personal welfare is strategically executed, and our presence here today is a testament to this remarkable achievement,” Yakubu said.
The event underscored NAF’s commitment to the welfare of its personnel and their families, even in the face of tragedy.