By Headlinenews.news Investigative Desk | June 22, 2025
A former Superintendent of Police with 35 years of meritorious service has come forward in a heartfelt video appeal, revealing he has yet to receive his pension after retirement. Initially promised a modest ₦3 million gratuity, he still awaits payment—a story emblematic of a wider systemic failure affecting thousands of police retirees.
Historical Context: Forgotten Protectors
Since the introduction of Nigeria’s Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) in 2004, public servants—including police officers—have contributed to their own future. The National Pension Commission (PenCom) now manages a ₦13 trillion asset base, serving nearly 8 million accounts . Yet, reports have persistently highlighted unacceptable delays and extremely low payouts for long-serving officers.
A 2024 investigation revealed that:
A retired DSP received only ₦1.7 million gratuity and a ₦40,000 monthly pension after 35 years of service.
Retirees often face 15 months or more delays, lacking clarity, while senior officers like IGPs and AIGs are exempt from the same scheme .
Over 100,000 police pensioners are owed ₦150 billion, with 75% living below the poverty line; 30% reported cannot afford their children’s schooling .
Impact on Officers and Public Safety
Poor pensions do more than impoverish retired officers—they damage morale, spark public distrust, and fuel systemic corruption. As one former officer admitted, “When retirement brings emptiness, what principle stops one from taking shortcuts?”
International comparisons show stark differences:
In UK and Canada, police pensions typically offer 30–50% of pre-retirement salary, with strong oversight from independent bodies.
Even in similar economies like South Africa, police pensions are tied to cost-of-living indices and inflation adjustments.
Nigeria’s payment of ₦40,000/month (≈$25) starkly contrasts with the minimal dignity promised by long service.
Recommendations for Reform
To restore honor and incentives in policing, Nigerian stakeholders must act swiftly:
1. Immediate Release of Delayed Pensions: Commit to clearing all outstanding backlogs within 90 days.
2. Adjust Gratuity Calculation: Ensure lump sums align with tenure—e.g., at least ₦3 million per decade served.
3. Index-linked Monthly Pensions: Mandate annual reviews tied to inflation.
4. Tiered Pension System: Police offices should be exempt from the standard CPS and receive tailored, risk-adjusted retirement benefits.
5. Establish a Police Pension Board: An independent body with civil society oversight to manage funds and ensure accountability.
6. Transparency and Legal Recourse: Require official disbursement timelines, published performance metrics, and legal avenues for redress.
Expert Insight
“Police are the frontline of our security. To ask them to live on crumbs at retirement is to betray our social contract. Pension reform is a moral and national imperative.”
— Dr. Imran Khazaly, MFR, Governance & Security Analyst
Conclusion: A Democratic Test of Character
This plea by a former Superintendent isn’t just personal—it’s a call for national integrity. Nigeria’s millions of security retirees deserve timely respect and rightful compensation. Addressing pension justice is both a duty of governance and a litmus test for the country’s democratic soul.
Headlinenews.news Special Report.
