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The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, stated on Tuesday that many retired police officers under the Contributory Pension Scheme are enduring humiliating living conditions, which instills fear in current officers about their own futures.
He made these comments during a meeting with senior police officials in Abuja. Egbetokun described the living standards of retired officers as unacceptable considering their sacrifices during service.
“I am deeply committed to the welfare of our retired officers under the Contributory Pensions Scheme (CPS).
Their post-service situation is heartbreaking and morally unacceptable. Today, many retired officers of the Nigerian Police Force live in conditions that are humiliating and far below acceptable standards, given their service to the nation.
Their monthly pensions under the CPS are excessively low and barely sufficient to cover even the most fundamental needs. Many cannot afford healthcare, housing, or a dignified life,” he remarked.
He noted that the adverse conditions for retirees were impacting the morale of current officers.
“This has made retirement a period of hardship and regret, leading to eroded confidence among serving officers, who now view their own future with apprehension. There is a growing anxiety among them, founded on the belief, whether right or wrong, that retirement leads to hardship.
This fear is widespread and demoralising across ranks,” he explained. Egbetokun acknowledged that attempts to educate officers about the CPS have often been misconstrued.
“Efforts to inform them about the workings of the Contributory Pensions Scheme have been perceived as efforts to maintain them in continuous bondage to the CPS,” he said.
He mentioned that police leadership had taken steps to enhance the pensions of retired officers and had presented this stance to the National Assembly during a public hearing regarding a bill proposing the police's exemption from the scheme.
“This position was reinforced in my recent correspondence with the National Assembly. While the push for our withdrawal from the CPS is justified and rooted in tangible realities, it is crucial that our actions are measured and strategic,” he added.
However, he warned against impulsive decisions, clarifying that his previous comments were misreported as opposition to leaving the scheme.
“I cautioned that we should be cautious before hastily deciding to exit. There might be hidden pitfalls in the bill. What benefit is there in leaving this bill only to step into uncertainty? Some have interpreted my caution as opposition to the police exiting, which is incorrect. Others might misunderstand my intentions,” he clarified.
He urged police commanders to connect with both serving and retired officers to inform them of ongoing initiatives by police leadership aimed at enhancing their welfare.
Egbetokun also introduced a new morale-boosting welfare initiative for serving officers.
He announced that any officer who wins the Inspector-General’s award for exceptional professionalism twice in a row would be eligible for accelerated promotion.
Egbetokun indicated that this initiative seeks to promote a culture of excellence, creativity, and patriotism within the Force.
“To further enhance morale among serving officers, I proudly introduce a new welfare incentive. Officers who are awarded the IDP’s award for exceptional professionalism twice in succession will now be considered for accelerated promotion.
This is more than a reward; it is a call for excellence, creativity, and patriotism. We are cultivating a culture that celebrates and advances excellence. A motivated force is an effective force. While past efforts deserve recognition, they are insufficient. Crime does not take a break; criminals do not rest.”
When asked about comments from a former Inspector-General criticizing him, Egbetokun said, “Those who know me understand I believe in service discipline and I prefer not to engage in disputes with him.”
