Olukayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police (IGP), has called for urgent reforms in the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) to address the financial struggles faced by retired Police officers.
Speaking at an interactive session with retired Police officers on pension matters at the Police Resource Centre, Jabi, Abuja, the IGP described the current pension arrangement as inadequate, leaving many pensioners in distress after years of dedicated service.
Egbetokun acknowledged the persistent complaints from both serving and retired officers regarding the CPS, noting that many Police pensioners struggle with meager benefits and delays in accessing their entitlements.
“The Nigeria Police Force is one of the most vital institutions in our country, bearing the heavy burden of ensuring law and order. It is only just that, in retirement, officers enjoy a dignified and financially secure life,” he stated.
Egbetokun established a Committee, headed by DanMallam Mohammed, then Deputy Inspector-General of Police, to review the pension concerns and propose actionable recommendations.
He also embarked on a nationwide tour to engage with officers and pensioners, further confirming that many ex-officers face financial hardship under the current system.
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While some stakeholders argue that the CPS ensures long-term financial sustainability and prevents mismanagement, the IGP emphasised that these advantages should not overshadow the suffering of Police pensioners.
He urged all parties to engage in constructive discussions based on facts and expert insights to find a lasting solution.
Egbetokun also commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for prioritising Police welfare under the “Renewed Hope Agenda” and acknowledged past legislative efforts to improve the police pension system.
He expressed hope that ongoing deliberations would lead to meaningful reforms that would not only improve the financial security of retirees but also motivate serving officers for better service delivery.
The meeting, attended by retired police officers, serving personnel, and other stakeholders
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