Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Tinubu to address the pension challenges facing retired police officers and improve welfare for serving personnel.
Atiku made the call in a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communications of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council.
He urged the Federal Government to resolve reported financial difficulties among retired officers, review police salaries and strengthen welfare provisions for serving personnel.
The former vice president said some retired officers were struggling to afford basic necessities despite spending years serving the country.
He cited the case of a retired Assistant Superintendent of Police who reportedly receives a monthly pension of ₦29,000.
Atiku also referenced other cases of retired officers allegedly struggling to access food, healthcare and other essential services, describing their circumstances as requiring urgent government attention.
He further alleged that some serving police officers had resorted to withdrawing portions of their pension savings to support their families amid rising living costs.
Atiku Demands Clarification On Police Pension Bill
Atiku called on Tinubu to clarify the status of the Police Exit Bill, which seeks to remove police personnel from the Contributory Pension Scheme and establish a dedicated Nigeria Police Force Pension Board.
According to the ADC campaign statement, the National Assembly passed the bill earlier in the year and transmitted it to the President for assent in March.
Atiku referenced Section 58 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which provides a 30-day period for presidential assent or the withholding of assent to a bill presented by the National Assembly.
He urged the National Assembly to publicly disclose the bill’s status and explain the constitutional steps available to resolve the matter.
The ADC candidate argued that officers who had spent decades enforcing the nation’s laws should receive the pensions and benefits they earned through service.
Atiku Unveils Proposed Police Welfare Reforms
Atiku also outlined his proposed Police Dignity Guarantee Plan, which he said he would implement if elected president in May 2027.
The proposed plan includes auditing and settling verified pension arrears and gratuity claims, establishing a minimum pension level that reflects changes in the cost of living, and providing insured healthcare for serving and retired officers.
He also pledged to review police salaries, improve support for the families of officers who die in service, and introduce clearer procedures for pension verification and payment.
According to Atiku, the proposed reforms would be supported by budgetary provisions and public reporting on payments made.
His comments come amid ongoing discussions about police welfare, pension administration and the working conditions of security personnel in Nigeria.
The proposed measures form part of Atiku’s stated policy agenda ahead of the 2027 presidential election, while his allegations about pension hardship and the status of the Police Exit Bill require confirmation from the relevant authorities.
