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From Molly Kilete, Abuja
Amid worsening economic hardship and growing agitation by retired police officers over poor retirement benefits, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, is pushing for a 200 per cent gratuity and monthly pensions equivalent to retirees’ last salaries.
Under the proposed arrangement, eligible officers could receive gratuity equivalent to 200 per cent of their annual emoluments, alongside monthly pensions equivalent to their last salaries, subject to government approval.
The proposal is part of efforts to address longstanding grievances over inadequate pensions, delayed payments and the welfare of retired personnel of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
The proposed reforms are being considered by a presidential committee established to recommend lasting solutions to the pension crisis. The committee comprises representatives of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, Budget Office of the Federation and National Pension Commission (PenCom).
The move comes amid persistent demands by serving and retired police officers for the withdrawal of the NPF from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), which they blame for inadequate retirement benefits and worsening financial hardship.
Beyond improving the benefits of officers retiring under a new arrangement, the proposed reforms are also expected to consider personnel who retired before the introduction of any revised pension framework.
This could pave the way for a review of existing pensioners’ entitlements, rather than limiting any improved benefits to officers who retire after the implementation of the proposed reforms.
The initiative is also intended to address outstanding pension liabilities, improve retirement benefits and eliminate administrative bottlenecks that have left many former officers struggling to access their entitlements. For retirees who depend largely on their pensions for survival, the rising cost of food, accommodation, transportation and medical care has intensified calls for a pension system that reflects prevailing economic realities.
President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in the protracted dispute has raised expectations among retired officers that the Federal Government may finally address grievances that have persisted for years.
The government has reportedly cleared outstanding pension payments that previously left some retirees waiting for as long as two years. Pension adjustments have also resulted in substantial increases for some beneficiaries, with some reportedly receiving nearly twice their previous payments.
Despite these interventions, agitation has continued, with retirees insisting that the existing pension structure does not adequately compensate them for their years of service or provide sufficient financial security in old age.
Disu’s engagements with the Presidency, PenCom and other relevant government institutions are aimed at securing a sustainable arrangement that addresses the concerns of serving personnel approaching retirement and former officers already receiving pensions.
The presidential committee is expected to examine the financial implications of the proposals, outstanding liabilities, funding requirements and administrative arrangements needed to ensure prompt and sustainable payment of approved benefits.
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It is also expected to recommend measures to improve coordination among government institutions responsible for pension policy, funding and administration.
However, the proposed 200 per cent gratuity and enhanced monthly pensions have **not been approved as new entitlements**. Their implementation remains subject to the committee’s recommendations, government approval, availability of funds and the development of appropriate operational guidelines.
The government’s final decision will determine the categories of officers eligible for the benefits, whether existing pensioners will be covered and when any approved reforms will take effect.
Lagos police threaten prosecution of Ile-Epo traders over sanitation violations
Traders at Ile-Epo Market in Lagos State risk prosecution for violating environmental sanitation regulations and engaging in illegal roadside trading, the police have warned.
The Station Officer of Oke-Odo Police Station, Inspector Ernest Ekeoba, issued the warning during a weekly meeting with traders and market leaders in the Agbado Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area.
Ekeoba, who addressed the traders alongside other security officers, warned that offenders caught violating environmental sanitation and trading regulations would face the full weight of the law, including prosecution.
He particularly cautioned traders against displaying foodstuffs and other goods along roadsides, noting that the practice obstructs traffic and exposes traders, customers and other road users to avoidable dangers.
The police officer urged market leaders to strengthen internal monitoring and ensure strict compliance with sanitation guidelines and regulations governing trading activities.
He stressed that maintaining a clean market environment was essential to preventing health hazards and protecting traders and customers from diseases associated with poor sanitation.
Ekeoba also commended officials of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) for their efforts in enforcing environmental regulations and promoting cleanliness in markets across the state.
He urged traders to cooperate with the police, KAI officials and other relevant enforcement agencies to maintain order and ensure a safe and healthy trading environment.
The officer reiterated that market leaders must take responsibility for ensuring compliance among their members, warning that traders found violating applicable regulations would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
