The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has proposed a 200 per cent gratuity for retired police officers as part of efforts to address longstanding pension challenges in the Nigeria Police Force.
The proposal was presented to a Presidential committee established to examine the challenges surrounding police pensions, including concerns over the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), which has continued to attract opposition from serving officers calling for an alternative arrangement.
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.
Under the proposed framework, eligible retirees could receive a gratuity equivalent to 200 per cent, alongside pension benefits calculated with reference to their last salaries. However, the final structure and implementation of the proposed benefits will depend on the committee’s recommendations and the Federal Government’s approval.
The proposal also seeks to address concerns about the treatment of officers who retired before the introduction of any new pension arrangement. It envisages a review of their retirement benefits, subject to the terms of the eventual policy and any approved implementation framework.
The move comes amid persistent complaints by retired police officers over low pension payments, delays in accessing retirement entitlements and administrative challenges associated with pension management.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s intervention in the police pension crisis has raised hopes among serving and retired personnel for a lasting solution to the challenges affecting their retirement welfare.
The Federal Government has also reportedly settled outstanding pension arrears that left some retirees waiting for up to two years. In addition, pension increases have been introduced, with some beneficiaries said to be receiving nearly twice their previous payments.
Disu’s engagement with the Presidential committee and relevant government institutions is expected to strengthen ongoing efforts to reform the police pension system, address outstanding liabilities and establish a more effective framework for managing retirement benefits.
The committee is expected to assess the financial implications of the proposed reforms and recommend sustainable funding and administrative measures to improve the welfare of retired police personnel while ensuring the long-term viability of the pension system.
