By Bisi Bamishe
The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has stepped up efforts t improve the welfare of police officers under the Contributory Pension Schem (CPS), following a high level visit by its Director General, Ms Omolol Oloworaran, to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, a Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Ms Oloworaran, who was accompanied by senior members of PenCom management team, met with the IGP, senior police officers and the leadershi of NPF Pensions Limited the Pension Fund Administrator responsible fo managing police pension assets.
Expressing gratitude to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for its tireless servic to the nation, Ms Oloworaran stressed the need for stronger collaboratio between PenCom and the Police to address pension concerns and improv retirement benefits for officers.
She reminded officers that the CPS was introduced to correct flaws in the ol Defined Benefits Scheme (DBS), which was unfunded, lacked transparenc and often left many retirees in financial distress.
The DG acknowledged the challenges, but stressed that PenCom is workin on solutions that can be achieved within the CPS framework.
Among the reforms, PenCom is proposing a Health Insurance Scheme fo retirees, raising monthly pensions to 75% of a police officer’s final salar before retirement, expanding the Retirement Resettlement Fund, an overhauling the police pension structure.
On calls for the police to exit the CPS, Ms Oloworaran said such a move i unnecessary and counterproductive, emphasising that the issues can b resolved within the scheme. She urged patience and continued dialogue a PenCom and the NPF implement these reforms.
She also advocated for the Federal Government to raise its pensio contribution for police officers from 10% to 20%, which would substantiall boost retirement savings.
In addition, PenCom is working with the Head of the Civil Service of th Federation on a new Gratuity Scheme, scheduled to start in 2026, that will giv treasury funded federal workers one year of total emoluments as a gratuity a retirement.
This follows an earlier high level meeting between Ms Oloworaran and thHead of Service, Mrs Didi Esther Walson Jack, as part of efforts to ensure federal employees have a secure financial cushion at retirement.
Responding, IGP Egbetokun praised PenCom’s efforts and reaffirmed the Police Force’s readiness to work with PenCom to resolve police pension concerns.
He acknowledged the challenges police officers have raised and expressec his commitment to engaging constructively to maintain confidence.
PenCom, on its part, pledged to keep driving reforms to ensure that police officers retire with dignity and financial security.
This renewed partnership signals a joint commitment to strengthening the CPS and improving the welfare of police personnel nationwide.
