Dipo Olowookere
By Dipo Olowookere
An insurance scheme for travellers aimed to assist road accident victims across the country has been introduced with the support of Heritage Bank.
Tagged Travellers’ Accident Insurance Scheme (TAIS), the initiative was launched in partnership with the Road Transport Employee’s Association of Nigeria (RTEAN).
RTEAN is one of the key unions in the transportation industry in Nigeria with several members, which was why the financial institution decided to work together with the association.
At the unveiling of the policy, Heritage Bank said TAIS will address deaths associated with the inability of travellers involved in an accident to offset hospital bills.
The Regional Executive, Abuja and North, Heritage Bank Plc, Mr George Okoh-Oboh, speaking at the launch of the scheme in Abuja, commended the thoughtfulness of RTEAN in coming up with such a program to save the lives of accident victims.
He stated that the partnership would help address the road safety crisis due to the tragic loss from a road crash death or severe injury which was compounded by the harm to families, social networks, and national economies.
According to him, the majority of victims are part of the working-age population (between 15 and 64 years old). In fact, road crashes have become the #1 killer of the young worldwide.
He pledged the continued support of the bank in ensuring the success of the scheme, emphasising that, “At Heritage Bank, we believe in this project and we are ready to support it as it seeks to address accidents on the road.”
“This project will save lives of many Nigerians, so we are not just here to see what comes in but we are here to add value and ensure that it succeeds,” he added.
The National President of RTEAN, Mr Musa Muhammed, in his remarks, said that the scheme aims at promoting the welfare of passengers while ensuring security for passengers’ property.
He explained that the scheme would provide support to passengers who may be involved in an accident at the course of their journeys.
“This scheme covers all Nigerians involved in accidents that require medical attention while on a road trip.
“This is part of an effort to assist and improve the Nigerians transport system,” the transporter added.
According to him, the scheme will cover only parks owned and operated by members of the group, stressing the need for the government to deepen investments in road infrastructure while ensuring security along the major road.
On his part, the senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District of Ondo State at the National Assembly, Mr Nicholas Tofowomo, urged transporters to ensure that workers are properly licensed and vehicles insured, noting that he would ensure the effective implementation of the scheme.
