In a sustained effort to enhance troops’ morale, welfare, and financial security, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander, Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, hosted a delegation from the Nigerian Army Finance Corporation (NAFIC) for a sensitization lecture on the Nigerian Army Personnel Insurance Scheme (NAPIS) and other welfare related schemes.
A statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Olumide Victor Olukoya Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations 3 Division Nigerian Army said the lecture which was held at the 3 Division Auditorium, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos, drew participants from commanders, senior officers and soldiers across the Division.
The GOC in his remarks, reiterated the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to personnel welfare, stressing that the strength of the force is anchored not only on its operational effectiveness but also on the well-being of its personnel and their families.
He noted that the establishment of NAPIS underscores this commitment, particularly in light of the inherent risks associated with military service in both peaceful and operational environments. He urged participants to give the lecture their full attention, actively engage in discussions, and seek clarification where necessary.
In his remarks, the Director General NAFIC, Major General Julius Osifo, explained that the sensitization lecture was aimed at enlightening personnel on the provisions of NAPIS and other welfare schemes. He added that the sensitization lecture is in line with the robust administration pillar of the Chief of Army Staff command philosophy.
He highlighted that there are different welfare policies in the Nigerian Army which literally cover all aspects of the soldier, both in service and post service. These include the NA Welfare Insurance Scheme, Benevolent Fund, Nigerian Army Life Cover which pays a sum assured on death of a personnel. Others include the continuous payment of salaries and allowances for 2 years to families of personnel who pay the supreme sacrifice in operations as well as the NA Scholarship Scheme which ensures education upto university level for children of deceased military personnel.
Other welfare policies highlighted include the Nigerian Army Welfare Loans Scheme and aspects of the Defined Benefits Scheme of the Pension Reform Act 2024, which guarantees compulsory payment of 60-month pension to all military personnel. This implies that even in the death of retirees, the Military Pensions Board pays the remaining months of the 5-year period to the designated Next-of-Kin (NOK) in a lump sum, providing a minimum safety net.
The different aspects of welfare components under NAFIC, including the Nigerian Army Welfare Insurance Scheme, the Directorate of Non-Public Funds, and the proposed Nigerian Army Microfinance Bank. According to him, these platforms provide life insurance coverage, financial assistance, and loan services to personnel, veterans, and host communities.
The sensitisation lecture on NAPIS was delivered by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Army Welfare Insurance Scheme, Lieutenant Colonel Aminu Babagana, with additional insights from the Managing Director, Nigerian Army Microfinance Bank, Colonel Saheed Shittu. Both resource persons facilitated a robust interactive session..
Highlights of the event were the exchange of souvenirs and group photographs.
