By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Inspector-General of Police of the Nigeria Police Force, (IGP) Olatunji Disu is pushing for improved retirement benefits for serving and retired police officers as the Federal Government reviews longstanding concerns over pension payments and post-service welfare.
The proposed reforms aim to address outstanding pension liabilities, improve retirement income and strengthen the administration of pension benefits within the Nigeria Police Force.
A presidential committee has been set up to examine concerns raised by police personnel and recommend measures to address challenges associated with the existing Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).
The committee comprises representatives of the Ministry of Finance, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, the Budget Office of the Federation and the National Pension Commission (PenCom).
The review follows protests by serving police officers seeking to exit the contributory scheme, which has remained a major source of discontent within the force.
Under a proposed arrangement, eligible officers could receive pensions calculated in relation to their final salaries, alongside an enhanced gratuity. However, the proposal is still subject to government approval, funding decisions and implementation guidelines.
Disu’s engagement with the Presidency, PenCom and other relevant institutions is part of efforts to secure better retirement conditions for police personnel who have served the country.
For retired officers, timely pension payments and adequate retirement income are crucial to meeting essential expenses, including healthcare, housing and other household needs.
The review is also expected to consider outstanding pension obligations and whether improved benefits could be extended to eligible officers who retired before any new arrangement takes effect. Any such extension would depend on the terms and conditions eventually approved by the government.
The Federal Government will determine the funding framework and policy measures required to implement any approved reforms.
The committee’s recommendations are expected to guide decisions on pension liabilities, funding and the administration of retirement benefits, amid growing calls for a more sustainable and equitable pension system for police personnel.
