By Evelyn Usman

In demonstration of its commitment to the welfare of its personnel and the families of fallen soldiers, the Nigerian Army, yesterday in Lagos presented Personal Accident Insurance cheques to the next-of-kin of troops who paid the supreme price in ongoing operations across the country.

The presentation, made by the Chief of Army Staff ,COAS formed part of activities marking the opening of the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2025, held at the Abalti Barracks, in Ojuelegba area of the State.

Director General of the Nigerian Army Finance Corporation, Maj.-Gen. Ehioze Osifo, described the exercise as both solemn and symbolic, noting that it reflected the Army’s enduring resolve to stand by its personnel and their families, even in death. He said the initiative reflected the institution’s recognition of the sacrifices made by officers and soldiers in defence of the nation.

Osifo explained that the Nigerian Army Personnel Insurance Scheme NAPIS was introduced three years ago to strengthen existing welfare frameworks within the service, particularly as a complement to the Federal Government’s Group Life Assurance policy, adding that the scheme was designed to provide additional financial protection for officers and soldiers who are injured, hospitalised or killed in the line of duty, thereby reinforcing institutional care and support for personnel and their families.

Speaking on the structure and intent of the programme, Osifo said, “NAPIS commenced three years ago as an addition to other existing welfare programmes in the Nigerian Army, specifically to complement the extant Group Life Assurance policy of the Federal Government. Since inception, the Chief of Army Staff has graciously paid 100 per cent of the premium for this scheme, with NEM Insurance PLC as the appointed underwriters.”

Despite its laudable objectives, the Director General lamented the low level of participation in the scheme, attributing it largely to poor awareness. He disclosed that only 348 personnel had benefitted since inception, translating to about 116 beneficiaries annually, a situation he said reflected gaps not only among troops but also among commanders responsible for driving implementation at unit and formation levels.

Highlighting recent progress, Osifo noted that renewed directives from the Chief of Army Staff had begun to reverse the trend.

“Arising from fresh directives issued in the last six weeks, a total of 234 officers and soldiers have already submitted applications for claims,” he said, urging Commanders to take greater responsibility for promoting the scheme to ensure its optimal utilisation.

He stressed that sustained sensitisation and strong leadership commitment were critical to ensuring that NAPIS fully delivered on its mandate of supporting wounded soldiers and the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the nation.

The opening ceremony also witnessed the unveiling of a documented biography of former Chief of Army Staff, the late Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, titled ‘A life of Service’,as well as the presentation of vehicles to Army Warrant Officers.