Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called for urgent action to address the welfare and pension concerns of retired police officers, arguing that many former personnel are struggling to meet basic living expenses after years of service.
Atiku’s position was communicated on Sunday through Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council.
The former vice-president cited the case of a retired Assistant Superintendent of Police who reportedly receives a monthly pension of ₦29,000.
He also said more than 120 members of an association of retired police officers had died over the preceding three years, highlighting what he described as the serious welfare challenges facing former personnel.
The figures and individual pension details require verification against records from the relevant pension authorities and the association involved.
Calls for Pension Reform
Atiku urged the government to address concerns over pension payments and ensure retired officers can access adequate income and healthcare after leaving active service.
His comments come amid wider demands by police retirees for changes to the Contributory Pension Scheme and the fulfilment of commitments relating to gratuities and pension enhancement.
Retired police officers have previously complained about inadequate payments and rising living costs, while government officials have said they remain committed to engaging with affected groups.
The concerns also raise questions about the long-term welfare arrangements available to serving officers who eventually retire.
Welfare of Serving Officers Also Raised
Atiku argued that police welfare should not be limited to pensions but should include fair remuneration and adequate institutional support for serving personnel.
Police officers perform demanding duties involving public safety, crime prevention and the maintenance of law and order. Their welfare arrangements can affect both individual livelihoods and the broader functioning of the security system.
However, resolving the dispute will require clear information about the pension structure, the number of affected retirees, the government’s outstanding obligations and the resources available to meet them.
Atiku’s intervention adds a political dimension to an issue that retired officers have been pressing through their associations and engagements with government.
The central question remains whether authorities will deliver a verifiable solution that improves pension adequacy and provides dependable support for retired personnel.