Unresolved Police Pension can worsen insecurity and negatively affect internal security

Unresolved Police Pension can worsen insecurity and negatively affect internal security

The House of Representatives on Wednesday debated a motion addressing the worsening pension crisis facing retired police officers, following nearly two months of continuous protest at the National Assembly gate.

The retirees, many of whom served over 30 years, have accused the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) of violating the provisions of the contributory pension scheme and failing to implement a dedicated pension structure for the Nigeria Police Force.

Despite enduring rain and sun, they have maintained a vigil outside the National Assembly, holding placards and appealing for legislative intervention.

Lawmakers described the situation as both embarrassing for the nation and damaging to the morale of serving officers, warning that unresolved pension issues could affect internal security.

Moving the motion, Jesse Onuakalusi (LP, Lagos) stressed that police officers risk their lives daily, yet often retire into poverty due to inadequate pensions. He highlighted challenges such as delayed payments, insufficient lump-sum benefits, and irregular stipends that do not cover basic living expenses.

“The contributory pension scheme under the Pension Reform Act 2024 has failed to account for the unique hazards and conditions of police service,” Onuakalusi said. “Other security agencies, including the military, intelligence services, and Customs, already enjoy special pension arrangements. The police should not be left behind.”

Onuakalusi urged House leadership to visit the protesting retirees to hear their grievances firsthand and assure them of parliamentary support.

Bamidele Salam (PDP, Osun), reflecting on his upbringing in police barracks as the son of an officer, described the retirees’ plight as a long-standing issue resisted by entrenched interests. He recalled previous efforts in the Ninth Assembly to remove the police from the contributory scheme, which were blocked by PENCOM and other stakeholders.

Chairman of the House Committee on Police Affairs, Abubakar Makki (APC, Jigawa), noted that the police pension issue has been under legislative consideration for several assemblies but emphasized progress in the current 10th Assembly.

He confirmed that the Police Pension Amendment Bill (HB 979) had been passed by the House and transmitted to the Senate on October 28 for concurrence before being sent to the President for assent.

Mohammed Jalo, Chair of the House Committee on Pensions, reiterated that the bill has completed all stages in the House, including second reading, clause-by-clause consideration, and third reading. He suggested that the retirees’ protests may be directed more at PENCOM and the Senate than the House, and that ongoing stakeholder meetings aim to resolve outstanding issues.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, presiding over the session, confirmed that HB 979 had undergone public hearings and full debate, urging that the motion be amended to reflect the bill’s current legislative status. Yusuf Gagdi, Chair of the Committee on Navy, advised amending the motion’s prayer rather than withdrawing it entirely to avoid undermining the bill pending in the Senate.

Following extended discussion, Onuakalusi amended his prayer to call on House leadership to interface with the Senate and expedite action on the Police Pension Bill, ensuring a lasting solution to the retirees’ grievances. The Deputy Speaker subsequently referred the amended motion as prayed.