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Opperators reveal implications of removing Nigerian Police from Pension scheme

Pension operators have warned that exempting the Nigeria Police Force from the Contributory Pension Scheme could cost the Federal Government N3.5tn annually.

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They disclosed this at a one-day public hearing on the proposed “Police Pension Board Bill 2024” at the National Assembly in Abuja on Tuesday.

Accordibg to Punch, this estimate comes amidst concerns about the financial sustainability of the police pension system if the police are removed from the CPS.

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Chief Executive Officer of the Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria, Oguche Agudah explained that such a move would create unsustainable financial burdens on the country’s budget.

“If the police are going to leave this scheme, they will need at least 3.5tn today, invested every year, at least 10 per cent a year for them to be able to pay pensions for about 400,000 police personnel,” Agudah stated.

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He emphasised that this would not only strain the national budget but also undermine Nigeria’s pension assets, which are currently invested in infrastructure and bonds, contributing to the economy.

Agudah’s position was echoed by other stakeholders, including representatives from the National Pension Commission, who cautioned that the move could lead to severe fiscal challenges and destabilise the pension system, which currently manages over N21tn in assets.

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The pension operators also highlighted that while the police’s concerns over pension adequacy are valid, removing them from the CPS is not the solution.

The scheme’s existing framework allows for increases in contributions and benefits, offering a more sustainable and transparent way to address these concerns.

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In contrast, a Deputy Inspector General of Police, Bala Ciroma, who represented the Inspector General of Police, argued strongly for the removal of the police from the CPS.

“We ask for the removal of the Nigeria Police Fund from the CPS,” he said.

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The sponsor of the bill, Senator Binos Dauda, representing Adamawa South, while reading a message he received from an unnamed retired Commissioner of Police, highlighted the significant disparity between the pensions of retired police officers and those of their counterparts in other security agencies, noting that retired commissioners currently receive a paltry N70,000 per month.

“The issue is broader than the pension scheme. If you don’t increase the salary of police officers, even removing them from the CPS will not solve the pension problem,” he read.

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A Civil Society Organisation, Contributory Pension and Happy Retirement Advocacy in a document at the hearing, warned that the proposed bill to create a separate police pension fund could set a dangerous precedent.

The CSO cautioned that if the police were removed from the CPS, other public sector groups might demand similar exemptions, further eroding the integrity of the pension reform.

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Agudah reiterated the need to address police welfare issues within the CPS, suggesting that enhanced contributions and benefits could better serve the police while maintaining the financial stability of Nigeria’s pension system.

The proposed bill, they argued, could set the country on a dangerous fiscal trajectory if enacted in its current form.

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Eight persons killed, others injured in another fatal road accident

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Eight persons killed, others injured in another fatal road accident

Eight persons died while three others were injured in a road traffic crash along the Potiskum–Dogon Kuka carriageway in Yobe.

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The Yobe Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Andrew Longkam, confirmed the incident on Thursday.

He said the crash occurred around Gaggaba on the Potiskum–Dogon Kuka axis at about 12:40 hours.

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“Preliminary reports from Dogon Kuka Unit Command show the incident was promptly reported to the corps,” Longkam said.

FRSC operatives arrived within five minutes, enabling swift rescue, evacuation of victims, traffic control, road clearance and prevention of secondary crashes.

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The crash involved a white Howo trailer, registration DAL 963YY, and a white Mitsubishi Canter, registration NNR 437XA.

“Twelve adult males were involved, with eight fatalities and four rescued, including three injured and one unhurt,” he said.

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The injured and deceased were taken to Government General Hospital, Dogon Kuka, where the injured received prompt medical attention.

Longkam said the FRSC tow truck cleared the obstruction, restored traffic flow and notified the Police Motor Traffic Division in Dogon Kuka.

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“Preliminary findings indicate the Mitsubishi Canter, suspected to excessive speeding, committed a route violation and crashed into the trailer,” he said.

He said excessive speed and route violation were suspected causes, adding that investigations were ongoing to determine the exact circumstances.

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The sector commander urged motorists to avoid speeding, route violations and unsafe practices, assuring continued enforcement, emergency response and public education across the state. (NAN)

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Reaction as Atiku’s Son defects to APC, backs President Tinubu’s reelection in 2027

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Reaction as Atiku’s Son defects to APC, backs President Tinubu’s reelection in 2027

Former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has addressed his son Abba Abubakar’s decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a personal choice.

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In a statement posted on his X handle, Atiku said, “The decision of my son, Abba Abubakar, to join the APC is entirely personal. In a democracy, such choices are neither unusual nor alarming, even when family and politics intersect.”

He added, “As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians.”

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The former vice president also highlighted his concerns about the ruling party, saying, “What truly concerns me is the poor governance of the APC and the severe economic and social hardships it has imposed on our people.”

“ I remain resolute in working with like-minded patriots to restore good governance and offer Nigerians a credible alternative that brings relief, hope, and progress.”

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JUST IN; Oyo Governor, Makinde names Olubadan as Chairman Oyo Council of Obas

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JUST IN; Oyo Governor, Makinde names Olubadan as Chairman Oyo Council of Obas

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has inaugurated the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, declaring that the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, will be heading the council for a period of 2 years.

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The declaration follows the passing of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025, by the state House of Assembly, and the signing of the same into law by the governor.

Recall that the lawmakers had amended Clause 5 of Section 28 of the Chieftaincy Law to make the Council chairmanship rotational among the Alaafin of Oyo, the Soun of Ogbomoso, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

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While inaugurating the Council, Governor Makinde said he had consulted with the trio of the Alaafin, the Olubadan and the Soun, with the three of them reaching a consensus that the chairmanship should start with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Ladoja.

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