Raise police pension to 20%, PenCom urges FG

PenCom DG, Ms. Omolola Oloworaran and Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun

The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has called on the Federal Government to significantly improve the retirement benefits of police officers by doubling its pension contribution rate from 10% to 20% and increasing monthly pension payouts to 75% of officers’ final salaries.

This recommendation was made by PenCom’s Director-General, Ms. Omolola Oloworaran, during a strategic meeting with the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. The visit comes in the wake of nationwide protests by retired police personnel, who have voiced deep dissatisfaction with their post-service welfare and demanded to be removed from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

Key Reforms Proposed by PenCom:

- Increase FG’s pension contribution for police officers to 20%

- Raise monthly pension payments to 75% of final salary

- Introduce a health insurance plan for retirees

- Expand the Retirement Resettlement Fund

- Revamp the overall police pension framework

Ms. Oloworaran emphasized that exiting the CPS would be a misguided move, arguing that the current system can be reformed to meet the needs of police retirees. She urged patience and constructive dialogue as PenCom works closely with the Nigeria Police Force to implement these changes.

Inspector-General Egbetokun welcomed PenCom’s proposals and expressed the Force’s commitment to collaborating with the Commission to address long-standing pension grievances. He acknowledged the concerns raised by retired officers and pledged to maintain open lines of communication to restore trust in the system.

New Gratuity Scheme on the Horizon

In a related development, PenCom disclosed ongoing collaboration with the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to launch a new Gratuity Scheme by 2026. Under this initiative, treasury-funded federal workers will receive one year’s total emoluments as a lump-sum gratuity upon retirement—providing a much-needed financial cushion for public servants.

This follows a recent meeting between Ms. Oloworaran and Mrs. Didi Esther Walson‑Jack, the Head of Service, aimed at strengthening retirement security for federal employees.

President Bola Tinubu has also weighed in on the issue, directing PenCom to resolve the pension challenges facing police personnel. He stressed that those who dedicate their lives to protecting the nation deserve to retire with dignity and financial peace of mind.