Welfare Of The Nigeria Police: The IGP’s Top Priority -By Adewole Kehinde

I came across a disturbing video of a retired officer who served in the force for 35 years, reportedly rejecting a retirement benefit of ₦2 million.

In response to the viral video, the IGP ordered a thorough investigation into the claims made by a retired Superintendent of Police concerning the welfare and retirement benefits of police pensioners.

The IGP directed the NPF Pensions Limited to urgently look into these claims, identify any possible lapses, and ensure appropriate actions are taken to address the issues raised.

Egbetokun further emphasised that while efforts have been made to improve the police pension system over the years, constructive feedback, such as that highlighted in the viral video, remains crucial in identifying gaps and initiating reforms.

The IGP is not insensitive to the plight of pensioners, many of whom dedicated their lives to the service and safety of the nation. Egbetokun views the welfare of both serving and retired officers as a priority and recognises that timely and adequate pension administration is crucial for sustaining morale and institutional integrity.

Although the pension system has continuously been improved, the IGP acknowledges the value of constructive criticism in igniting the necessary changes.

I recall that in November 2023, the IGP stated that he found a “battered” force when he assumed office and that the welfare of police officers needs to be improved for better performance.

Egbetokun made this statement when he appeared before the House of Representatives during a plenary session to brief the lower legislative chamber on the state of security in the country.

According to the IGP, the police lack essential resources needed for a functioning force.

He said, “Unfortunately, we encountered a police force that had been battered—a police force that has suffered serious neglect over the past few years. The police also find themselves operating in a very difficult environment, partly as a direct consequence of this neglect.“

Egbetokun noted that the UN-recommended policing ratio of 1:400 is currently unachievable in Nigeria, with the current ratio standing at 1:1,000, demanding an increase in manpower within the police force.

“We have 1,137 police divisional headquarters across 774 LGAs in Nigeria, but acquiring operational vehicles for these divisions is difficult. Each division requires at least four functional vehicles; however, many divisions currently lack any functional operational vehicles.

“The welfare of our personnel is lacking. Funding is critical to fulfilling the mandate of the Nigerian police. Unfortunately, citizens are not interested in our excuses for underperformance. What they want is performance.

“They want us to serve them. We are willing to serve, but we need your cooperation, funding, more manpower, and logistics to adequately train our personnel.

“We need to improve the welfare of our officers; we want a well-motivated workforce in the police.”

Regarding the Pension Scheme, Egbetokun stated, “I encountered strong agitations to exit the Contributory Pension Scheme. In response, I established a committee headed by DIG DanMallam Mohammed, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Department of Finance and Administration (as he then was), to thoroughly review pension matters as they affect police personnel and propose actionable recommendations for reforms.”

The IGP has not relented in his commitment to improving the welfare of retired police officers, acknowledging the financial hardships many face under the Contributory Pension Scheme.

I was fortunate to attend an interactive session with retired police officers on pension matters in Abuja, where IGP Egbetokun emphasised the need for urgent reforms.

“The Contributory Pension Scheme leaves the majority of police retirees in difficult financial conditions after years of dedicated service to this nation. This situation is unacceptable, and as a responsible institution, we must seek pathways to reorder the unpalatable experiences of our retirees while giving hope for a secure financial future to our serving personnel,” he stated.

He acknowledged that while the pension scheme is designed to ensure long-term sustainability, its implementation has led to financial distress for many retired officers, causing slow and frustrating access to entitlements.

The IGP stressed that while some argue in favour of the contributory scheme due to its professional fund management, its failures in ensuring the financial security of police retirees cannot be ignored.

“This meeting provides a platform for all stakeholders to engage constructively and arrive at a well-informed position on the matter.

“We must engage in thorough discussions, relying on expert insights and empirical data to reach the best possible outcome,” he added.

At several meetings, the IGP kept emphasising the Nigeria Police Force’s enduring commitment to honouring the legacies of officers who paid the ultimate price in service to the nation.

I recall that during the presentation of cheques to beneficiaries, the IGP said, “No amount of money can replace a life lost in service,” Egbetokun said, “but we will continue to stand by the families left behind. This is not just a financial commitment; it is a moral obligation.”

Egbetokun disclosed that the disbursement marks the tenth phase of the insurance payment initiative, raising the total amount paid to bereaved families to an unprecedented N22.98 billion. Since the commencement of the program, 8,311 families have received benefits across nine previous phases.

“The Nigeria Police is founded on the values of service, integrity, and sacrifice. We are committed to institutionalising responsive welfare measures to ensure that no next-of-kin is left in uncertainty again,” the IGP noted.

He reaffirmed the Force’s dedication to improving the well-being of officers and the families of those who have served with honour.

The IGP will continue to uphold the Force’s steadfast dedication to better welfare and a pension plan that recognises the years of sacrifice made by both active and retired officers, as well as their families.

I urge stakeholders to remain calm and patient as the Nigeria Police Force Pensions engages relevant agencies to ensure lasting solutions.

The IGP will continue to ensure the Force’s commitment to all officers, both serving and retired, and their families in improving welfare and in building a system that honours their sacrifices.

Adewole Kehinde is a public affairs analyst based in Abuja. 08166240846. @kennyadewole kennyadewole@gmail.com