IGP, CPRA Oppose Bill to Exempt Police from Contributory Pension Scheme

By LOVETH AZODO, Lagos

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has criticized the bill seeking to exempt the Nigeria Police Force from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), stating that such a move would not benefit police personnel.

Speaking during an address to officers, Egbetokun warned that exiting the CPS would return the police to a less favorable pension arrangement characterized by financial uncertainties and political interference.

“Yes, a bill has been passed by the National Assembly for the police to exit the CPS, and it is now awaiting presidential assent. But has anyone examined the details of the bill? You need to understand where you are exiting to,” Egbetokun said.

He cautioned officers against making decisions driven by emotions or limited understanding. “When I became IGP, I set up a committee to examine the pension issue. We discovered that the bill awaiting presidential assent does not favor us.

If we leave the CPS, we are going back to a system where pensions are controlled by politicians and subject to budgetary allocations. In times of financial difficulties, pensions might not even be paid.”

Recalling past challenges, the IGP highlighted the difficulties retirees faced under the old pension scheme, where many waited months or even years without receiving their entitlements. “Is that what we want to return to?” he questioned.

Egbetokun disclosed that his administration is working on a more sustainable pension model. “I am advocating for a scheme where every police officer retires with their full salary. That is the goal I want for the police, not an exit to uncertainty.”

Meanwhile, during a public hearing conducted by the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, Mr.

Ivor Takor, Director of the Centre for Pension Rights Advocacy (CPRA), emphasized that the CPS remains the most secure and sustainable system to safeguard police officers from old-age poverty.

Takor recommended improvements within the CPS framework, such as enhanced gratuity payments, where police retirees receive a gratuity equivalent to 300% of their final annual gross pay, while their Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs) continue to provide monthly pensions.

He also proposed that the Federal Government fully fund police pensions under the CPS to enhance benefit adequacy and sustainability.

Additionally, Takor called for the retention of full salaries for senior officers at the rank of Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) and above, who currently enjoy this benefit under the CPS, ensuring continuity and fairness.

He concluded that necessary enhancements should be implemented within the Pension Reform Act of 2014 to guarantee stability, transparency, and long-term financial security for police personnel, rather than abandoning the CPS altogether.