The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has disclosed that his administration inherited a 13-year backlog of unpaid insurance claims for families of deceased police officers.

Egbetokun made this revelation on Tuesday in Abuja during the unveiling of the Police Insurance Claims Management Portal and the presentation of cheques to next-of-kin and beneficiaries of fallen officers.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event also featured the inauguration of a specialized training program for Insurance Desk Officers nationwide.

“At the outset of this administration, we met an alarming backlog of unsettled insurance claims from 2010 to 2023.
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 stated.

He noted that before Tuesday’s event, his administration had already disbursed N17.8 billion to 6,465 beneficiaries across eight previous presentations.

In continuation of this commitment, another N3 billion would be disbursed to 706 beneficiaries, covering insurance policy years from 2020 to 2024.

“Today’s presentation is the 9th phase of cheque distribution to the families of our fallen officers, 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 served with honour and dignity.”

Launch of the Police Insurance Claims Management Portal

Egbetokun also unveiled the Nigeria Police Insurance Claims Management Portal, describing it as a transformative platform aimed at streamlining insurance claims processing.

He explained that the technology-driven system would enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility, eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks for a seamless process.

“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.
I urge all officers and personnel to embrace this digital revolution and utilise the portal for its intended purpose.”

Training for Insurance Desk Officers

The IGP also announced the commencement of a specialized training program for Insurance Desk Officers, aimed at enhancing their knowledge and expertise in facilitating insurance claims.

“Considering the vital role these officers play in the claims process, it is crucial to equip them with the requisite knowledge of insurance administration policies and procedures.
This training will ensure a seamless transition to a modernised system.”

Egbetokun encouraged participants to actively engage in the training, ask questions, and take full advantage of the opportunity to improve their proficiency.