Federal Government Approves Group Life Assurance Scheme for Civil Servants and Uniformed Personnel

In a decisive move to reinforce its commitment to the welfare of public servants, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has greenlighted the implementation of a Group Life Assurance Scheme aimed at covering federal government employees, including paramilitary personnel and other uniformed services. The approval was disclosed by the Head of Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, during a press briefing following the sixth FEC meeting of 2025 held at the State House.

Walson-Jack emphasized that the policy reflects the priorities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in ensuring the social and economic security of civil servants. According to her, the scheme is designed to offer life insurance coverage to all public sector workers, guaranteeing financial support to their next-of-kin in the unfortunate event of death.

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Group Life Assurance: A Commitment to Workers’ Welfare

Describing the initiative as a major step towards protecting the interests of federal workers, Walson-Jack said, “This scheme underscores the importance that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has placed on the welfare of federal workers.” The insurance scheme, she noted, is tailored not just to shield families from the financial strain of losing a breadwinner but also to ensure a safety net that enhances morale and motivation within the federal workforce.

The new assurance plan will cover high-ranking officials including the President, Vice-President, Chief of Staff, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Ministers, permanent secretaries, and staff across federal ministries and agencies financed by the national treasury are also included under the policy.

Furthermore, the scope of the scheme extends to members of the nation’s paramilitary forces such as the Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Correctional Service, Federal Fire Service, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and personnel in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

The assurance policy offers an annual renewable cover and will be effective from the date the government fulfills its financial obligation to the appointed underwriters. This is in accordance with the “no premium, no cover” standard in the insurance industry, which mandates that coverage begins only after payment is confirmed.

Walson-Jack added that the FEC approved the appointment of 17 insurance underwriters who will manage the implementation of the scheme for the 2025/2026 policy year. These firms will provide coverage for 12 months following the payment of the premium, ensuring uninterrupted protection for beneficiaries during that period.

Strengthening the Social Contract with Federal Employees

The launch of the Group Life Assurance Scheme marks a significant milestone in the federal government’s approach to employee welfare. With this scheme, the administration aims to not only provide compensation for bereaved families but also reinforce the importance of public servants in national development.

By bringing paramilitary and uniformed services under the coverage umbrella, the scheme reflects a broader understanding of risk and responsibility among those who serve in high-stress and high-risk roles. This inclusion signals an evolving public sector policy landscape where welfare, security, and motivation are becoming integral parts of civil service reform.

The annual renewal model also indicates the government’s long-term intent to institutionalize the scheme, potentially leading to broader reforms in employee benefit structures. Observers see the move as an important component of President Tinubu’s public sector agenda, aligning with earlier reforms targeting improved working conditions and job satisfaction across federal institutions.

As the 2025/2026 policy year approaches, the insurance underwriters are expected to begin groundwork for enrollment and documentation. The seamless implementation of the scheme will depend on timely payment of premiums, effective coordination between ministries, and efficient communication with beneficiaries.

With the assurance of financial security through life insurance, federal workers and their families now stand to benefit from a more robust social safety net. The implementation of this scheme is poised to restore confidence in public service careers and serve as a testament to the administration’s commitment to comprehensive employee welfare.