By Kelvin Obambon
The National Pension Commission (PENCOM) has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing significant reforms in the police pension system, even as Nigeria Police retirees intensify calls for a total withdrawal from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).
At a Tuesday meeting with a large gathering of police retirees from the South South zone held at the Police Officers’ Mess in Calabar, PENCOM’s Director General, Ms. Omolola Oloworaran, emphasized that reforms were forthcoming but withheld specific details pending government approval.
“I am committed to police pension reform. I will make proposals to government. We are looking at gratuity of 100 percent to retired policemen and monthly pensions ranging from 75 to 100 percent,” Ms. Oloworaran stated.
READ ALSO: C’River NDDC Rep, Rt Hon Orok Duke Felicitates Dr Samuel Ogbuku on His Birthday
Addressing the retirees’ demand to exit the CPS, the PENCOM boss said, “What we are trying to do is see how the current pension scheme can work best for police officers. We can do a Contributory Defined Pension Scheme under CPS.” She further maintained, “There will certainly be reforms and when those reforms come to light, then we can talk more about that. But on the police pension matter, just know that reform is coming. Big reform is coming.”
Despite the assurance, retirees remained steadfast in their demand to leave the CPS. When Ms. Oloworaran asked if they still wanted to exit even after reforms, they unanimously responded “Yes,” comparing their plea to the military’s current pension setup.
Oloworaran appealed for patience, highlighting the unprecedented steps taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has authorized nearly a trillion naira to clear outstanding pensions for Nigerians, some delayed for over two decades. She urged retirees to give the reform effort a chance, promising a transparent process that would involve the senate if necessary.
“The pensions the retired police officers are getting is too small. I totally agree with you. Everybody understands that and we know that you are suffering,” she acknowledged. “But anything we do will be done properly and cannot be undone.”
On imposing timelines for reform, Oloworaran said she was setting a personal three-month deadline to advance the process, although she admitted she did not have absolute control. “If we cannot enhance their benefits and give them what they want or what they are due under the current scheme, then why should they stay on?” she asked.
The police retirees, represented by the National Legal Officer, DSP (Barr) Ofem Mbang (Rtd), expressed deep dissatisfaction with the CPS, describing it as a source of “blood money” and calling for an immediate total exit. “We want a police pension board. Eating police pension money is blood money. Many of us have died and many others are bedridden because of what we are passing through,” he lamented.
Mbang compared police pensions unfavorably with those of the military, showing that an Inspector in the police receives about N18,000 monthly, while a comparable military officer earns around N200,000. He also condemned MPF Pensions Limited, the private entity managing police pensions, accusing its executives of inflating their salaries at retirees’ expense.
“We want a Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) managed by the Police Pension Board, with salaries and interest paid by the federal government. The current private pension management is a fraud,” Mbang asserted.
He called on President Tinubu to revoke MPF’s license through PENCOM, warning that even if the president approves improved benefits, entrenched interests within the police hierarchy might block their implementation.
Christopher Effiong, National Coordinator of the CPS, acknowledged the CPS as flawed but said he is willing to give the ongoing reform a chance, emphasizing the need for negotiation and a collaborative approach. “After 35 years of service or at 60 years, we are given about one quarter of what we should get. It does not serve any purpose,” Effiong said.
While some retirees demanded outright exit, Effiong suggested trials of reforms under the current scheme may be worthwhile, particularly as the president has shown concern for their plight.
