Poor treatment of Police Retirees undermining morale of serving officers says IGP

Poor treatment of Police Retirees undermining morale of serving officers says IGP

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Tuesday voiced profound concern over the dire living conditions of most retired police officers under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), a situation he described as “humiliating” and one that has instilled fear among serving personnel regarding their own future.

Speaking during a meeting with senior police officers in Abuja, Egbetokun underscored the unacceptability of the retirees’ circumstances, particularly given their sacrifices to the nation.

He emphasised his commitment to addressing this critical welfare issue.

“One area I remain deeply committed to is the welfare of our retired officers under the Contributory Pensions Scheme, CPS. Their post-service condition is heartbreaking and morally unacceptable,” the Inspector-General stated.

He elaborated on the severe challenges faced by these former officers: “Today, most retired officers of the Nigerian Police Force live in conditions that are not only unacceptable but humiliating, given the sacrifices they made in service to the nation. Their monthly pension under the CPS is maximally low and roughly inadequate to meet even the most basic needs. Many can no longer afford health care, housing, or a life of dignity.”

Egbetokun further noted that the distressing state of retirees significantly impacts the morale of active officers.

“This has turned retirement into a period of hardship and regret, eroding the confidence of serving officers, who now see their own future with fear rather than hope. Among serving officers, there exists a growing and deep-rooted anxiety, born from the belief, rightly or wrongly, that retirement is a descent into hardship. This fear has become so pervasive that it is having a noticeable demoralising effect on morale across ranks,” he explained.

He acknowledged that efforts to educate officers about the CPS had been misconstrued. “Attempts made to educate them on the operation of the Contributory Pensions Scheme have been taken as attempts to keep them in perpetual bondage of the CPS,” he said.

The police leadership, he revealed, has initiated steps to augment the pension of retired officers. This position was formally presented to the National Assembly during a public hearing for a bill seeking to exempt the police from the CPS.

“This stance was further reinforced in my recent letter to the National Assembly. While the agitation for our exit from the Contributory Pensions Scheme is just and deeply rooted in lived realities, it is imperative that our actions are guided by prudence and strategy,” Egbetokun added.

However, the Inspector-General cautioned against making hasty decisions regarding the scheme’s exit, clarifying that his earlier comments on the matter had been misinterpreted as opposition to the move.

“I sounded a caution that my people should look well before they jump into any exit. There may be a booby trap in the bill. So what is the use in exiting out of this bill and jumping into an uncertainty? Some people have interpreted that to mean that I don’t want the police to exit. That is not true. But people often know that that’s not exactly what it meant,” he clarified.

Egbetokun urged police commanders to engage with both serving and retired officers to sensitize them on the ongoing efforts by the police leadership to improve their welfare.

In a move aimed at boosting morale among serving officers, the Inspector-General also announced a new welfare incentive: any officer who consecutively wins the Inspector-General’s award for exceptional professionalism twice would be considered for accelerated promotion.

“To further boost morale amongst serving officers, I am proud to announce a new welfare incentive. Any officer who wins the IDP’s award for exceptional professionalism twice consecutively will now be considered for accelerated promotion. This is not just a reward, it is a call to excellence, creativity, and patriotism,” Egbetokun stated.

He emphasized the initiative’s role in fostering a culture of excellence within the Force, adding, “We are building a culture where excellence is not just applauded but advanced. The good is here. A motivated force is an effective force. Let us also recognise that while past efforts are commendable, they are not enough. Crime does not rest. Criminals do not pause.”

When asked to comment on remarks made by a former Inspector-General criticising him, Egbetokun responded, “For those who know me, I believe in service discipline. I would therefore not want to join issues with him.”