*Police Retirees Reject Incentives, Demand Exit From CPS
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has directed the speedy rollout of a free healthcare initiative for low-income retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) to ensure dignity and social protection in retirement.
Tinubu also ordered the prompt implementation of long-overdue pension increases and establishment of a minimum pension guarantee to serve as a safety net for the most vulnerable pensioners within the CPS.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu gave the directives following a briefing from the Director General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Ms. Omolola Oloworaran, at the State House, Abuja.
The statement said the President also mandated the PenCom leadership to urgently resolve the lingering issues surrounding Police pensions, saying officers who dedicate their lives to national security must be assured of a dignified and peaceful retirement.
Oloworaran, who also briefed the President on efforts to preserve the value of pension fund assets amid inflation and macroeconomic pressures, outlined upcoming reforms, including provisions for foreign currency-denominated contributions, which would allow Nigerians in the Diaspora to participate in the national pension system.
She also provided updates on a broad range of transformative initiatives aimed at improving retiree welfare and expanding the reach of the pension scheme across the country.
Tinubu, while endorsing the reforms, reiterated his administration’s commitment to inclusive economic growth and protection of all Nigerians, especially the vulnerable.
However, despite the directives aimed at improving their welfare, retired Police officers under the CPS have reiterated their demand for a total removal from the scheme.
The retirees, while appreciating the President’sgesture, said the only acceptable solution was their complete removal from the scheme.
Speaking for the protesting retirees, Buba Danjuma, said: “We are very happy that our cries have reached the President, and we appreciate his directives.
“However, what we want is our outright exit from the scheme. If we remain under CPS, we will still remain caged.”
Danjuma cited the example of other security agencies, including the Department of State Service (DSS) and the military, which have exited the scheme, wondering why Police retirees should be treated differently.
“The DSS and military have all left and didn’t bother to remain under the CPS because of its many disadvantages. Why should we remain?
“We appreciate the President, but we want him to do everything possible to get us out of the scheme. We don’t want to remain there anymore.”
Recall that retired Police officers under the CPS recent staged multiple protests, including a demonstration on July 21, where they blocked the entrance to the Force Headquarters in Abuja, demanding their removal from the CPS, lamenting that they were receiving only 25 per cent of the deductions made from their salaries during their 35 years of service.
They expressed frustration with the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, accusing him of convincing the National Assembly to ignore their plight, citing the example of a retired Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), who collected N2.1million in gratuity after 35 years of service, while a retired driver in the judiciary collected N8million.
They, therefore, demanded better treatment and urged the apprioprate authorities to review their retirement benefits to assuage their grievances.
