Africa
The Highlights Of The Police Force Pension Board (Establishment) Bill 2025 -By DSP A. M. Muhammad (Rtd)
This reform surely addresses long-standing complaints by police officers about delays and shortfalls in pension payments under PENCOM. By creating a specialised Board, the government will no doubt ensure fair, timely and dignified retirement benefits for those who served in the Nigeria Police Force.
It would be recalled that, the Nigeria’s Senate has already approved a landmark Bill that formally removes the Nigeria Police Force from the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), on December 4, 2025. This is with a view to establishing a dedicated Police Pension Board to manage retirement benefits for police officers in Nigeria.
Key Highlights of the Bill, include:
– Independent Pension Board: A new Police Pension Board will directly oversee pensions, gratuities and death benefits for serving and retired officers;
– Better Benefits: The Bill guarantees that pensions will be no less than 85% of an officer’s total emoluments, with provisions for injury-related pensions that can raise benefits to up to 100%;
– Funding of Police Pensins: Payments will come directly from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation, ensuring sustainability and timely disbursement;
– Death & Compassionation Benefits: Families of officers who die in service will receive gratuities for up to five years’ worth of pension payments;
– Retirement Rules: Officers may retire after 35 years of service or at attaining the age 60 years, with options for voluntary retirement after 10 years of service or withdrawal after 5 years with gratuity;
– Safeguards: Pensions cannot be seized or transferred, except to settle debts owed to the Federal Government or court-ordered family maintenance;
– The Board Structure: The Board will include retired senior police officers, serving officers with finance and legal expertise, and technocrats with pension administration experience;
– Financial Autonomy: The Board will maintain its own fund with exemption of tax and may borrow with Presidential approval;
– Accounts & Audits: Annual accounts will be audited and reported to the President; and
– Legal Backing: The Bill amends the Pension Reform Act to exclude police personnel from PENCOM, giving them a separate pension framework.
The passage of this Bill marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s National Assembly efforts to reform police welfare. I’m also quite optimistic that the Federal Government would create a dedicated Police Pension Board, to signal its commitment in honouring the sacrifices of police officers and provide financial security for them and their families. I believe this reform will boost morale within the Force, strengthen trust between personnel and the state, and ensure that those who serve the nation are rewarded with dignity in retirement.
This reform surely addresses long-standing complaints by police officers about delays and shortfalls in pension payments under PENCOM. By creating a specialised Board, the government will no doubt ensure fair, timely and dignified retirement benefits for those who served in the Nigeria Police Force.
DSP A. M. Muhammad (Rtd) CSS, Niis, Miips, CCSO
December 13, 2025
admamur@yahoo.com
