President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to give his assent to a groundbreaking bill that will establish the Nigeria Police Force Pension Board, a move that will fundamentally change how police personnel receive their retirement benefits.
Legislative Process Nears Completion
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Police Affairs, Hon. Abubakar Makki Yalleman, confirmed on Wednesday that the legislative process is nearly complete. This announcement came in response to ongoing protests by retired police officers at the National Assembly gate.
Yalleman revealed that the House had finished all legislative work on the bill and transmitted it to the Senate for concurrence on October 28. Both chambers of the National Assembly have demonstrated commitment to fast-tracking this important legislation.
"We have interacted with the retirees several times. All their prayers were considered," Yalleman stated. "God willing, by next week, the bill will be forwarded to the President for assent. Their agitation has been fully addressed."
Key Benefits for Police Personnel
The bill, known as HB 979 - Nigeria Police Pension Board (Establishment) Bill, seeks to achieve several critical objectives:
- Remove police personnel from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) under the Pension Reform Act
- Establish a dedicated Police Pension Board to administer pensions and gratuities
- Ensure timely payment of retirement benefits to police officers
Hon. Husaini Mohammed Jallo, Chairman of the House Committee on Police Pensions, described the legislation as a major victory for police personnel who have long sought parity with the military and DSS pension structures.
"The police want to exit the contributory pension scheme and operate their own board like the military and the DSS. That is exactly what this legislation provides," Jallo explained.
Substantial Pension Benefits Guaranteed
A crucial provision in Section 17 of the bill stipulates that no retired police officer shall earn less than 85% of their total emoluments as pension. Where additional pension is granted due to injury, the combined benefit shall not exceed 100% of pensionable emoluments.
The proposed law outlines that pensions and gratuities will be paid from the Consolidated Revenue Fund. Retirement benefits will apply after 35 years of service or at age 60, while voluntary retirement may be taken after 10 years. Benefits also apply in cases of compulsory retirement, efficiency-related reforms, or medical incapacitation.
In a significant protection for families, if a retiree dies within five years of leaving service, their next of kin will continue receiving the same pension until the five-year period elapses. Additionally, pensions and gratuities will remain non-transferable, non-assignable and protected from seizure, except for debts owed to the Federal Government or by court order.
Yalleman expressed confidence that President Tinubu would sign the bill, emphasizing its importance for national security and police morale. "Very soon, this matter will be concluded. There is no controversy. The Senate will pass it, and it will go to Mr. President for assent," he assured.
The Inspector General of Police, the Director General of Pension, and other relevant stakeholders have already begun meetings to ensure a seamless transition once the bill becomes law.
