Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu has proposed a 200 per cent gratuity for retired police officers as part of efforts to address longstanding concerns over pension payments and retirement benefits.
The proposal is being considered by a presidential committee established to examine the pension challenges facing the Nigeria Police Force and recommend sustainable reforms.
The committee comprises representatives of the Federal 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 officers could receive pensions linked to their final salaries, alongside the enhanced gratuity.
The plan also seeks to address demands by serving police officers to withdraw from the Contributory Pension Scheme, which has remained a contentious issue within the force.
The proposed reforms are expected to tackle outstanding pension liabilities, improve retirement benefits and streamline pension administration. They could also cover officers who retired before a new framework takes effect, subject to the final terms approved by the government.
The move comes amid longstanding complaints by retired officers about inadequate benefits, delayed payments and administrative bottlenecks. Many pensioners rely on their retirement income to meet household expenses and medical costs amid rising living costs.
The Federal Government has reportedly cleared a backlog of pension payments that left some retirees waiting for up to two years and introduced increases that have nearly doubled payments for some beneficiaries.
Disu’s engagement with the Presidency, PenCom and other relevant institutions is aimed at sustaining efforts to resolve the pension crisis.
The committee is expected to make recommendations on outstanding liabilities, funding arrangements and benefit administration.
However, the proposed 200 per cent gratuity has not been approved. Its adoption, eligibility requirements, funding and implementation will depend on the committee’s recommendations and subsequent government decisions.
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