JUST IN; House of Reps passes bill to exempt Police from Contributory Pension
JUST IN; House of Reps passes bill to exempt Police from Contributory Pension
The House of Representatives on Tuesday passed a landmark bill seeking to establish the Nigeria Police Force Pension Board and exempt police personnel from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).
The bill, which sailed through its third and final reading, aims to create an independent pension body to administer pensions, gratuities, and other retirement benefits for serving and retired officers of the Nigeria Police Force.
Sponsored by the House Leader, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, the proposed legislation is titled “A Bill for an Act to Establish the Nigerian Police Force Pension Board Charged with the Responsibility of Administering the Pension Scheme for the Personnel of the Force and to Exempt the Force from the Application of the Contributory Pension Scheme under the Pension Reform Act, 2014 and for Related Matters (HB. 979).”
Ihonvbere said the bill seeks to address long-standing grievances among police officers over delays, inequities, and bureaucratic hurdles experienced under the current pension system managed by the National Pension Commission (PenCom).
“This bill is designed to ensure fairness and dignity for our police personnel, both serving and retired,” Ihonvbere said. “The peculiar risks and sacrifices of policing demand a more responsive and dedicated pension administration system.”
The bill’s passage came on the same day retired police officers staged a protest at the National Assembly complex, lamenting what they described as severe hardship under the existing pension arrangement.
If assented to by the President, the new board will be responsible for managing and disbursing police retirement benefits directly, providing a structure tailored to the operational realities of the Force.
In a related development, the House also advanced another key security reform bill, passing for second reading a proposal to amend the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The amendment bill, jointly sponsored by Hon. Aminu Balele, Hon. Midala Usman, and Hon. Daniel Asama, seeks to enhance discipline, coordination, and accountability within the military by clarifying roles and command structures.
Leading the debate, Hon. Midala Usman explained that the amendment would strengthen the authority of the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs, while ensuring clearer civilian oversight and operational efficiency.
“This amendment defines the composition, command responsibilities, and operational hierarchy of the Armed Forces,” Usman said.
“It will ensure improved coordination, effective oversight, and a more disciplined military structure capable of tackling contemporary security challenges.”
Both legislative moves underscore the House’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security institutions and ensuring the welfare and efficiency of personnel tasked with safeguarding the nation.
