𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭-𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞

The Senate has promised to accelerate legislative action on a bill seeking to remove the Nigeria Police Force from the contributory pension scheme, following renewed protests by retired police officers who say the system has left them impoverished and vulnerable.

The retirees, who gathered at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, lamented that the current pension arrangement has subjected them to years of financial hardship despite decades of service to the country. They carried placards demanding immediate reforms and payment of improved benefits.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who addressed the protesters through a delegation, assured them that the Senate was fully aware of their grievances and had resolved to fast-track consideration of the Police Pension Bill currently before the upper chamber.

Akpabio said the National Assembly was committed to ensuring a fair and sustainable retirement structure for police personnel, noting that the nature of police work requires a pension system that reflects the risks associated with the job.

He also urged the retirees to remain calm, stressing that both the Senate Committee on Police Affairs and the Committee on Establishment and Public Service were working to harmonise stakeholder submissions before the bill is presented for final passage.

The protesting officers welcomed the assurance but called for swift action, insisting that many of their colleagues had died while waiting for improved pension payments. They urged the government to prioritise the welfare of both serving and retired police personnel to boost morale and strengthen national security.