Former Police Commissioner Urges Quick Action on Retiree Pension Reforms

A retired Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, has appealed to the Federal Government to expedite the rollout of President Bola Tinubu's proposed pension reforms for former police officers. Owoseni stated that such a move would re-establish trust among retired personnel and resolve the protracted disagreement surrounding the Contributory Pension Scheme. He also called on police retirees currently protesting the scheme to engage in dialogue.

In a personal statement released on Sunday, Owoseni highlighted that the President's suggested "Option B" presents the most viable solution to enhance the welfare of retired police officers. He implored the government to promptly transform its commitments into tangible benefits. "The President's good intentions should be swiftly actualised. If retirees start seeing improved bank alerts by August or September, it will signify good faith. Many police retirees no longer trust the government due to their experiences during service," he remarked.

Owoseni, who concluded his 35-year service with the Nigeria Police Force in January 2019, revealed that the Inspector-General of Police had initiated efforts to consolidate the demands of various retired police officer groups before presenting a unified position to the President. He noted that these reconciliation efforts have made significant headway, with most factions now endorsing the proposed pension reform.

He further explained that reconciliation efforts successfully united most of the dissenting groups. Although one faction initially sought a complete withdrawal from the Contributory Pension Scheme, the majority embraced "Option B" after being informed of its advantages. Owoseni affirmed that approximately 98.5 percent of retired police officers under the Contributory Pension Scheme now back the proposal, provided the Federal Government upholds its pledges.

He urged the Federal Government to instruct the Ministry of Finance and the National Pension Commission to ensure that the approved enhancements are promptly reflected in retirees' monthly pension payments. Owoseni also advised the National Pension Commission to safeguard the funds overseen by the Nigeria Police Force Pension Fund Administrator, citing attempts by vested interests to seize control of the substantial fund.

While acknowledging retirees' constitutional right to peaceful protest, the former police commissioner advised aggrieved officers to favour dialogue over confrontation. He condemned the continued street protests by a segment of retirees, describing actions like blocking major roads, insulting serving and retired senior police officers, and issuing ultimatums to the President as contrary to the discipline expected from former police personnel. He also criticised the alleged mobilisation of police officers' wives and other civilians to participate in demonstrations, cautioning that such actions could incite public disorder.

Owoseni maintained that some protesters appear unwilling to consider alternative solutions despite efforts to explain the implications of exiting the Contributory Pension Scheme. He appealed to the remaining aggrieved retirees to exercise patience, allowing the ongoing reconciliation process and government intervention to yield lasting reforms. He concluded that the pension dispute can only be resolved through sustained cooperation among retired police officers, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Presidency, rather than through continued confrontation. He expressed confidence that the agitation would subside once the proposed pension improvements are reflected in retirees' monthly payments. This appeal follows renewed protests by retired police officers, who recently blockaded a gate leading to the Presidential Villa in Abuja to demand their removal from the Contributory Pension Scheme.