In further demonstration of his “Soldiers First” leadership ethos anchored on personnel welfare as a cornerstone of operational success, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Monday presented insurance cheques to the next of kin of fallen soldiers under the Nigerian Army Group Personnel Accident Insurance Scheme.
The presentation took place during the opening ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2025, held in Lagos.
The Group Personnel Accident Insurance Scheme provides compensation for death, bodily injury, disablement and medical expenses arising solely and directly from accidents sustained in the course of official duties through external, violent and visible means.
Before the presentation, the Chief of Administration (Army), Major General I.M. Abdullahi, described the scheme as one of several welfare initiatives of the Nigerian Army, noting that cheques were presented to five next of kin of personnel who paid the supreme price in ongoing operations across the country.
Providing further insight into the scheme, the Director General, Nigerian Army Finance Corporation, Major General J.O. Osibo, explained that the personnel insurance programme commenced three years ago in partnership with Nigerian Army Renamed Insurance Plc as the appointed underwriter.
According to him, the Chief of Army Staff has consistently paid 100 per cent of the insurance premium for all Nigerian Army personnel since inception. He stated that the scheme covers personnel wounded in action, those who sustain temporary or permanent disabilities, personnel hospitalised due to illness, as well as those killed in action or who die in the line of duty.
Major General Osibo, however, observed that only 348 personnel have benefited from the scheme since its inception—an average of 116 beneficiaries annually—largely due to low awareness. He disclosed that following fresh strategic directives issued by the COAS to improve sensitisation and enrolment, 234 officers and soldiers have applied for the scheme within the last six weeks.
In his welcome address, Lieutenant General Shaibu expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his sustained political will and strategic support to the Nigerian Army, particularly in the areas of personnel welfare, equipment modernisation, training and institutional reforms. He also acknowledged the National Assembly for its legislative and budgetary support, which he said has significantly enhanced the Army’s operational readiness across all theatres.
The COAS reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s frontline role in combating terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other forms of criminality, stressing that the Army is deliberately transforming into a more professional, adaptive and technology-driven force capable of addressing both conventional and asymmetric threats. He urged conference participants to be guided by patriotism, professionalism and a shared commitment to national peace and stability in their deliberations.
Also speaking at the event, Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described security as a fundamental prerequisite for development. He commended the Nigerian Army for its pivotal role in preserving national unity and safeguarding democratic governance, while specifically lauding Headquarters 81 Division for its contributions to peace and stability in Lagos State. He assured the Army of the continued support of the Lagos State Government.
The opening ceremony was attended by senior government officials, Service Chiefs, former Chiefs of Defence Staff and Chiefs of Army Staff, senior military officers serving and retired, heads of security agencies, diplomats and other distinguished guests.
The Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2025 is expected to deliberate on key operational, administrative and strategic issues aimed at further strengthening the Nigerian Army’s capacity to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities.
