By Nkechi Eze
In a bid to address pressing concerns regarding police pension schemes, financial security, and the welfare of retired officers, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, on Tuesday, 11th February 2025 hosted an interactive session with retired police officers and stakeholders of the Nigeria Police Pensions, at the Police Resource Centre, Jabi, Abuja.
The conference brought together a diverse group of retired personnel and stakeholders to address pressing concerns regarding the police pension schemes, financial security, and the welfare of retired police officers who have dedicated their lives to the service of Nigeria.
Present at the interactive session, was the Chairman of Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu, (Rtd), who gave a review of global issues on retirement, pension, remuneration and compensation principles and practices, to serve as a guide in deliberating on the way forward.
Others were the Hon. Commissioner 1, Police Service Commission, Hon. Justice Paul Adamu; Deputy Inspectors-General of Police & Members of the Force Management Team, the National President of the Association of Retired Police Officers, AIG Paul Ochonu (Rtd), and other serving Senior Police Officers.
The Inspector-General of Police in his remarks, acknowledged the current challenges arising from the current contributory pension scheme and found it imperative to address the challenges, to create a sustainable framework that can better cater to the needs of retired officers and their families.
“Over the years, we have witnessed genuine complaints by serving and retired officers regarding the Contributory Pension Scheme. The concerns raised have been persistent and deeply worrisome. It is generally observed that the Contributory Pension Scheme leaves majority of Police retirees in difficult financial conditions after years of dedicated service to this nation. This situation is unacceptable, and as a responsible institution, we must seek pathways to reorder the unpalatable experiences of our retirees, while giving hope of a secured financial future to our serving personnel.
“It is not gainsaying the fact that the Nigeria Police Force is one of the most vital institutions in our country, bearing heavy burden of ensuring law and order, public safety and security of lives and property. Police officers work under challenging conditions, with risks and sacrifices that cannot be ignored. It is only just and rewarding that, in retirement, they enjoy a dignified and financially secure life. While the current pension scheme appears not to guarantee this, then it is only right that we explore ways to improve it.
It is the hope of the IGP that through these deliberations, a solution that could be effectively implemented to enhance the livelihood of retired officers would be achieved.
“In our quest to finding a lasting solution to the issue of poor pension earning, I enjoin us as we explore the options before us to let reasons prevail over sentiment and emotions do not override facts. We must engage in thorough discussions, relying on expert insights and empirical data on the subject. I encourage all stakeholders to speak candidly and present their perspectives with clarity and sincerity. The overarching goal of this meeting is not to dismiss any position but to find the best solution for our officers” he said.
The IGP reiterated the commitment of the Force to ensuring that those who had served honorably were provided with the respect and benefits they deserved, fostering dignity for all police personnel both during service and upon retirement.
The Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its dedication to the welfare of its officers and is committed to working collaboratively to achieve a just and equitable pension system.
