Federal government will soon begin the review of the pension and severance package of retired police officers.
This was revealed by president Bola Tinubu at the launch of the Nigeria Police Veterans‘ Foundation in Abuja yesterday.
Represented by the minister of state for police affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Tinubu said, “As the president of our dear country, I will not only give my full support to the Veterans Foundation, but will also ensure that such areas like improving the pension and severance package of retired Police officers are immediately reviewed to reflect the enormity of their contributions and commitment to our country.” He further said, “Administrative processes towards issuance of an Executive Order will be immediately initiated to set aside a day, perhaps, 5th March (being today, the launch of the Veterans’ Foundation) or 1st April (being the date that the hitherto existing police forces of Northern and Southern provinces were amalgamated to form a unified Nigeria Police Force, as National Police and Veterans’ Day in Nigeria.“
Also, the chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Dr. Solomon Arase said: “The occasion being the launch of the Police Veterans’ Foundation will always be chronicled as a great milestone for the members of the Nigeria Police Force, both serving and retired. The event is partly a solemn one as it accords us the opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by our brave Police officers in the course of duty, and the debt of gratitude yet unpaid by the very society that they gave their all.
“Perhaps, a historical background to the conceptualization of the Nigeria Police Veterans’ Foundation will help us situate where we are coming from to enable us fully appreciate its import and timeliness to retired Police officers. Upon my appointment and assumption of office as the chairman, Police Service Commission on 29th March, 2023, it became absolutely necessary that the experiential knowledge of the retired members of the Nigeria Police Force is sought. It is my belief that the experience of retired Police officers which spans through different decades would be of invaluable assistance in evolving policies that will help in repositioning the Nigeria Police for optimal functionality in delivering on its mandate.
„In this regard, on 12th April, 2023, I met and had robust engagement with the retired inspectors-general of police and the then inspector-general of police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba. Also, on 19th April, 2023, I convened a meeting with other retired members of the Nigeria Police Force which birthed the Retired Officers’ Consultative Forum. The Forum aims at examining contemporary challenges afflicting the Nigeria Police Force and formulating practical, solution-driven approaches to fortify its operational efficacy, as well as improving the welfare of the retired officers.
„Within a few months of establishing the Officers’ Consultative Forum, it was discovered that a greater percentage of Police retirees were facing different post-service challenges.“
„The idea for the establishment of the Police Veterans’ Foundation was, therefore borne out of the need to come up with a veritable platform, to be deployed in galvanizing support for the improved welfare of retired Police officers who are faced with different post-service challenges.
„ The Foundation will serve as a beacon of support and solidarity, reinforcing the enduring legacy of service, loyalty, hard work and commitment that define the Nigeria Police Force. The Foundation represents a historic moment for us all as it signifies our commitment and eloquent testament to address the pressing needs of our retired officers and their families,“ he said.
