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The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has called on the Federal Government to raise its pension contribution for police officers from 10% to 20% and increase monthly retirement benefits to 75% of an officer’s final salary, in a move aimed at improving the welfare and financial security of Nigeria’s law enforcement personnel.
The proposal was made by PenCom’s Director-General, Ms Omolola Oloworaran, during a working visit to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. The visit follows recent protests by retired police officers, who have decried poor pension payouts and demanded an exit from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).
Oloworaran said PenCom’s proposed reforms include:
Doubling government contributions from 10% to 20% to significantly boost officers’ retirement savings.
Increasing monthly pensions to 75% of the last salary before retirement.
Expanding the Retirement Resettlement Fund to ease transition into post-service life.
Introducing a health insurance scheme for retired police personnel.
According to her, these measures are designed to address the unique risks and challenges faced by police officers during service. “Policing is one of the most demanding professions, and officers deserve a retirement plan that reflects their sacrifices and service to the nation,” Oloworaran stated.
On the calls by some officers for the police to leave the CPS, the PenCom boss argued that such a move would be counterproductive. She explained that the challenges within the scheme could be addressed through targeted reforms rather than abandoning the system. She urged patience and cooperation, assuring that PenCom and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) were committed to implementing the agreed changes.
In response, IG Egbetokun commended PenCom’s commitment to reform, expressing readiness to collaborate in addressing pension concerns. He acknowledged the grievances of retired officers but emphasised the need for constructive engagement to ensure sustainable solutions.
New Gratuity Scheme for Federal Workers
PenCom also revealed it is working with the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation on a new gratuity scheme to commence in 2026. This initiative will grant treasury-funded federal workers a one-year total emolument as gratuity upon retirement, providing an additional financial cushion.
The announcement follows a meeting between Ms Oloworaran and the Head of Service, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, where discussions focused on improving retirement security for public servants.
Earlier this month, President Bola Tinubu directed PenCom to resolve the long-standing pension issues affecting the police, emphasising that personnel who dedicate their lives to protecting Nigerians must retire with dignity and peace of mind.
Pension and labour experts have welcomed the proposed 20% contribution rate, noting that Nigeria’s police officers face significant financial vulnerability in retirement compared to counterparts in countries with higher state-backed pension ratios. However, they cautioned that the success of the reforms would depend on consistent government funding, efficient management of pension assets, and transparency in disbursement.
With the proposed changes, PenCom aims not only to strengthen police pensions but also to set a precedent for broader reforms in Nigeria’s public service retirement system. If implemented, the new measures could help reduce post-retirement poverty among officers and restore morale within the force.