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Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has reiterated his commitment to improving the welfare of retired police officers, acknowledging the financial hardships many face under the Contributory Pension Scheme.
Speaking at an interactive session with retired police officers on pension matters in Abuja on Tuesday, Egbetokun emphasised the need for urgent reforms.
“The Contributory Pension Scheme leaves the majority of police retirees in difficult financial conditions after years of dedicated service to this nation.
“This situation is unacceptable, and as a responsible institution, we must seek pathways to reorder the unpalatable experiences of our retirees while giving hope of a secure financial future to our serving personnel, ” he stated.
He acknowledged that, while the pension scheme is designed to ensure long-term sustainability, its implementation has led to financial distress for many retired officers, with slow and frustrating access to entitlements.
Upon assuming office, Egbetokun noted that he was met with strong agitation for the Nigeria Police Force to exit the scheme.
“I met strong agitations to exit the Contributory Pension Scheme. In a prompt response to this, I established a committee, headed by DIG DanMallam Mohammed, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of the Department of Finance and Administration (as he then was), to thoroughly review the pension matters as they affect police personnel and propose actionable recommendations for reforms.”
The IG stressed that while some argue in favour of the contributory scheme due to its professional fund management, its failures in ensuring the financial security of police retirees cannot be ignored.
“This meeting provides a platform for all stakeholders to engage constructively and arrive at a well-informed position on the matter.
“We must engage in thorough discussions, relying on expert insights and empirical data to reach the best possible outcome,” he added.
