Police Retirees ask President Tinubu, IGP to address Pension, Salary woes
Police Retirees ask President Tinubu, IGP to address Pension, Salary woes
The National Association of Retired Police Officers of Nigeria (NARPON) has issued an urgent appeal to President Bola Tinubu and Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, calling for immediate action on the new pension scheme and salary structure affecting both serving and retired officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
During a press conference held in Abuja on Friday, Paul Ochonu, a retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police and President of NARPON, voiced profound concern over the growing discontent and planned peaceful protests among retired police officers. These officers feel neglected by the government’s failure to rectify long-standing injustices.
“The central issue is the imposition of the Contributory Pension Scheme on the Nigeria Police Force, while the Armed Forces, DSS, and NIA have been exempted. This disparity is unfair and unacceptable,” Ochonu stated.
He criticized the NPF’s inadequate funding, the meager salaries paid to active officers, and the unsustainable pension payments received by retirees after decades of dedicated service.
“How do we justify rewarding someone who risks their life daily with a pension of N60,000 or N75,000 after 35 years of service?” he questioned.
Ochonu highlighted that successive governments have consistently failed to grant the NPF its rightful position within the public service hierarchy.
“We are confident that Mr. President, under his Renewed Hope Agenda, will implement a pension scheme that reflects national appreciation for the service and sacrifices of police officers,” he remarked optimistically.
NARPON also urged the federal government to swiftly improve the salary structure for serving NPF personnel, emphasizing the direct correlation between low wages and the paltry contributions to the Retirement Savings Account (RSA).
“Since 2007, officers have been contributing to their pension under the CPS. But because of low salaries, their retirement savings are extremely poor, leading to low monthly pension payments after retirement. Some are paid as little as N60,0000N75,000 monthly,” Ochonu explained.
Deputy Commissioner of Police and General Secretary of NARPON, Comrade Sunday F. Chukwurah, acknowledged potential efforts by the federal government, including a reported bill sent to the National Assembly to address arrears and other pension-related issues. However, he stressed the need for these reforms to be expedited.
“For example, as a retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, I receive N129,000 monthly. Recently, N32,000 was added as arrears, bringing it to about N161,000. Commissioners of Police receive only slightly more. Even those on the Defined Benefits Scheme are struggling,” Chukwurah revealed.
Regarding the possibility of exiting the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), Ochonu clarified, “We have no authority to influence that decision. It is up to the federal government to amend the Pension Reform Act through the National Assembly.”
He added that the Inspector-General of Police is well aware of their concerns and has submitted proposals to the government. “We know steps are being taken, and we urge patience,” he said.
Despite the call for patience, Ochonu underscored the urgency of communication from the government.
“The silence is fueling unrest. The government must speak up and reassure retirees and serving officers alike. Let the public know what is being done. We urge restraint, not protest,” he concluded.
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President Tinubu returns to Nigeria after Abu Dhabi outing
President Tinubu returns to Nigeria after Abu Dhabi outing
President Bola Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after participating in the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW 2026).
Presidential spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja.
The president attended the summit alongside some members of his cabinet.
On the sidelines of the summit, Nigeria signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The agreement is aimed at deepening economic cooperation, boosting bilateral trade and investment, and enhancing technology transfer.
It will also expand collaboration in key sectors, including energy, infrastructure, agriculture, mining and renewable energy.
In his address at the summit, Tinubu announced that Nigeria and the UAE would jointly host INVESTOPIA in Lagos in February.
The initiative is designed to attract global investors and accelerate sustainable investment inflows into Nigeria.
Tinubu also said Nigeria targets mobilising up to $30 billion annually in climate and green industrial finance.
He said the funds would support energy transition reforms and expand nationwide access to electricity. (NAN)
News
APC clears air on receiving letter of defection from another State Governor
APC clears air on receiving letter of defection from another State Governor
The Zamfara chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied receiving a letter from Gov. Dauda Lawal seeking to defect to the party.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there were speculations across the state over Lawal’s move to defect to APC.
A statement issued in Gusau on Saturday by the state APC Publicity Secretary, Malam Yusuf Idris, described the speculations as fabricated.
“The party came across a fabricated report purported to have emanated from one Tambarin Gusau claiming that Go Dauda Lawal has sent a letter to the party wanting to join the APC.
“The report is malicious, unfortunate, unfounded, mischievous and showed the unprofessional manner which some people can go in misleading others and causing chaos in a stable and a peaceful party like the APC.
“The APC has responsible channels where everything is done in a guided manner,” Idris said.
According to him, the party has not received any letter from Lawal as claimed through the imagination of the writer nor was the party aware of any recent moves by the governor to defect from the PDP to the APC.
“All members of the party and indeed the public especially in Zamfara should therefore disregard such report.,” Idris added.(NAN)
News
282 Passengers safe as plane makes emergency landing in Lagos
282 Passengers safe as plane makes emergency landing in Lagos
A Qatar Airways passenger plane on Friday made an emergency landing at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos after developing a technical fault mid-flight.
The aircraft, which had 248 passengers and 12 crew members on board, was forced to land abruptly after the malfunction was detected while it was operating within Nigerian airspace.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed the incident in a statement released by its Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu.
According to him, the agency was alerted to the situation through its 767 and 112 toll-free emergency lines, prompting an immediate response from emergency officials.
He explained that upon receiving the distress call, the LASEMA Response Team (LRT) was swiftly deployed to the airport to assess the situation and provide necessary support.
“Upon arrival at the scene, the LASEMA Response Team confirmed that the aircraft was in distress,” the statement noted.
“The pilot executed a safe landing on the runway at Murtala Mohammed International Airport with LASEMA Response Team and other emergency responders standing by on extreme high alert on the runway.
“Collaborative efforts of the multi-agency responders were coordinated. After proper check by the pilot and the engineering crew, the aircraft was moved to the apron for detailed inspection and prompt repairs.”
“All passengers of the distressed airplane were evacuated safely; no injuries reported, no loss of lives,” the statement said.
Despite the technical issue and the emergency landing, the agency stated that there was the aircraft experienced no major damage.
“The aircraft has been secured on the apron. Recovery activities have been completed,” the statement added.
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