The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has disclosed that his administration inherited a backlog of unpaid insurance claims dating back 13 years. These unsettled claims, which accumulated between 2010 and 2023, left many families of deceased police officers struggling financially.
Egbetokun made this known on Tuesday in Abuja during the launch of the Police Insurance Claims Management Portal and the presentation of cheques to the next-of-kin and beneficiaries of fallen officers. The event also included the introduction 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,” Egbetokun said. “This unfortunate reality left the families of our deceased officers in financial distress, a situation we found unacceptable and determined to change.”
He noted that his administration swiftly took steps to engage insurance providers who had defaulted on payments and enforce compliance. Through these efforts, significant progress has been made.
Before Tuesday’s event, the police had already disbursed insurance benefits to 6,465 beneficiaries in eight separate presentations, totaling N17.8 billion. Egbetokun further revealed that another N3 billion would be paid to 706 beneficiaries, covering insurance policy years from 2020 to 2024.
“Today’s presentation is the 9th phase of cheque presentation to the families of our fallen officers in the life of this administration, bringing the cumulative total to N20.8 billion, benefiting 7,171 families,” he said. “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.”
Egbetokun also introduced the Nigeria Police Insurance Claims Management Portal, a new digital platform designed to speed up and simplify the processing of insurance claims. The portal aims to eliminate delays, ensuring that families receive benefits in a timely manner.
“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 said.
In addition to the portal, the police force has commenced an intensive training program for Insurance Desk Officers. Egbetokun noted that capacity building is a priority for the force, as these officers play a crucial role in handling insurance claims.
