Nigerian Army vows to boost personnel welfare, financial security

The Nigerian Army, on Wednesday, reiterated its commitment to the welfare and financial security of its personnel.

Maj.-Gen. Julius Osifo, Director-General, Nigerian Army Finance Corporation (NAFIC), stated this during a sensitisation lecture on the Nigerian Army Personnel Insurance Scheme (NAPIS) and other welfare initiatives, held at the 1 Division Headquarters, Kaduna.

According to him, the initiative, on the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shu’aibu, is part of ongoing efforts to ensure officers and soldiers are fully informed of welfare programmes designed to protect them and their families.

Osifo explained that the sensitisation aligned with the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy, which emphasised the transformation of the Nigerian Army into a professional, resilient, and combat-ready force supported by robust administrative and welfare structures.

The D-G highlighted key components of the NAFIC, including the Nigerian Army Welfare Insurance Scheme, the Directorate of Non-Public Funds, and the proposed Nigerian Army Microfinance Bank.

He noted that the scheme would provide personnel with life insurance coverage, soft loans for urgent financial needs, and financial services for soldiers, veterans, and host communities.

“While we pray never to activate the Life Policy Cover, it remains a critical assurance that the families of personnel who pay the supreme sacrifice will receive adequate support,” he said.

Explaining the operational welfare provisions, Osifo said: “In the event a soldier pays the supreme sacrifice, the Army ensured that salary and allowances continue to be paid to the next of kin for two years to prevent financial hardship.

“The Nigerian Army Personnel Insurance Scheme, launched in partnership with NEM Insurance Plc in 2023, provided coverage for temporary or permanent disability, death in service, and hospitalisation arising from official duties, training, operations, or exercises.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that as part of the sensitisation, personnel were entertained with a video documentary and provided with informational flyers to enhance understanding and accessibility of the scheme.

In his remarks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Maj-Gen. Abubakar Wase, represented by Brig.-Gen Sherif Aremu, lauded the NAFIC team, describing the engagement as a “critical intervention that touches the core of welfare and operational readiness.”

He emphasised that awareness of the welfare scheme enables soldiers to serve with confidence, knowing that “their families are protected in an unforeseen circumstances.”

The GOC also commended the Chief of Army Staff and the NAFIC for their efforts in modernising the insurance processes, making it more digital, accessible, and responsive to the needs of personnel.

He urged the personnel to fully utilise the scheme and disseminate the information across units to ensure that all personnel benefit from the welfare initiatives.

He added that the sensitisation exercise was part of the Army’s broader commitment to professional excellence, personnel welfare, and operational readiness.

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