By Ahmed Ahmed
The Nigeria Police Pensioners Association expressed frustration and disappointment over the National Assembly’s failure to fulfill its promises regarding their pension scheme.
ASP John Iliya Rtd , Bauchi State Secretary of the Association stated this at a news conference held at Nigeria Union of Journalists Press center Bauchi.
The association highlighted that the Pension Reform Act 2004, introduced by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, promised a 5% contribution from retiring officers and 10% from the government, but this has not been implemented ¹.
The association has been seeking to exit the Nigeria Police Force from the Contributing Pension Scheme (CPS) and establish a Police Pension Board to manage their pensions.
“Despite numerous meetings and protests, including one on May 21, 2024, at the National Assembly gate, their demands have been ignored
“The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs, Senator Ahmed Abdulkadir Mallam Madori, promised to address their demands by September 2024, but this deadline has passed without action
The association has vowed to occupy the National Assembly in solidarity with the Kaduna state chapter until their bill is passed and signed into law ¹.
The pensioners are questioning why the IGP elongation bill was passed without a public hearing and why the IGP, DIP, and AIGS were exited from the CPS without legislative or legal backing.
They urge the National Assembly to hasten the process and pass the necessary laws as promised
Our Correspondent reports that the pensioners’ plight highlights the challenges faced by many Nigerians in accessing their rightful benefits, and their protests underscore the urgency for legislative action.