By Mercy Gadia Adi
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has reiterated the Nigerian Police Force‘s dedication to finding solutions to the challenges faced by retired officers under the Contributory Pension Scheme, underscoring the institution’s commitment to the welfare of its personnel.
Speaking with aggrieved former officers at the Force Headquarters, the IGP expressed empathy for their situation, stating that the issue of poor retirement benefits was a concern for serving officers as well.
Egbetokun said, “We all feel concerned. We empathise with you because we are also going to retire. I have been engaging at the highest level to ensure that something is done to improve the condition of the poor pensioner.”
He disclosed that he had just come from a meeting with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, where the welfare of retired police officers was also discussed.
The IGP assured the retirees that steps were being taken to alleviate their suffering. “There are things that we need to make to ensure that your suffering in retirement is alleviated,” he said.
“There are a number of things that we have done, steps that I have been taking, the details of which I would not like to disclose with the press present. But I just want to assure you that we empathise with you and we are not just folding our arms. We are doing a lot to ensure that something is done.”
However, Egbetokun cautioned the retirees against being used by external actors with ulterior motives. “Don’t allow the enemies of the police to use you. Be suspicious of those who pretend to be on your side. They may not mean well for you,” he warned.
The IG also stressed that while past administrations have made efforts to pull the police out of the CPS, the process is beyond the powers of any individual Inspector-General.
“The agitation to exit the CPS has been on since 2014, 11 years ago. All previous IGs have tried their best to remove the police from the CPS. But exiting the CPS is beyond the power of any Inspector General of Police,” he said.
Egbetokun further emphasized that the police force is interested in ensuring that retired officers live a good life after serving the country for 35 years. “Even with the CPS, we can improve the operation of that CPS and ensure that you are happy in retirement,” he said.