Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has expressed deep concern over the deplorable living conditions of retired police officers under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).
Key Issues Highlighted
- Poor Pension Benefits: Retired officers receive extremely low pensions, with some earning as little as N30,000 monthly after 35 years of service.
- Inadequate Healthcare: Many retirees can no longer afford healthcare, further exacerbating their hardship.
- Demoralizing Effect: The plight of retired officers has instilled fear in serving officers about their future, negatively impacting morale across ranks.
- Unpaid Pensions: Some pension administrators, like African Alliance, owe retirees several months of pension arrears.
Call for Reform
Egbetokun emphasized the need to improve the CPS, ensuring that retired officers live dignified lives. He has been engaging with relevant stakeholders, including the National Security Adviser, to address the issue. Retired officers have been advocating for removal from the CPS, citing its inadequacies and calling for a Defined Benefits Scheme similar to the one enjoyed by military retirees.
Retirees’ Plea
Retired police officers have taken to the streets, protesting the CPS and demanding better pension benefits. They urge President Bola Tinubu to intervene and enhance their welfare, highlighting the sacrifices they made during their service.