Ex-CP seeks swift implementation of pension reforms for police retirees

Retired Commissioner of Police Fatai Owoseni is calling on the Federal Government to swiftly implement President Bola Tinubu's proposed pension reforms for retired police personnel. Owoseni stated that accelerating these reforms would help restore confidence among retirees and resolve the ongoing dispute surrounding the Contributory Pension Scheme.

Owoseni suggested that the President's "Option B" presents the most practical path forward for improving the welfare of retired police officers. He emphasized the need for the government to translate its promises into concrete benefits without delay, noting that visible improvements in retirees' bank alerts by August or September would demonstrate good faith. "Many police retirees no longer trust government because of what they experienced during service," he remarked.

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The good intention of Mr President should be expeditiously turned into reality. If by August or September retirees begin to see improvements in their bank alerts, it will demonstrate good faith. Many police retirees no longer trust government because of what they experienced during service.

The former police chief revealed that reconciliation efforts among various factions of retired police officers have made significant progress. While one group initially sought a complete exit from the Contributory Pension Scheme, the majority now support the proposed "Option B" after understanding its benefits. Owoseni indicated that approximately 98.5% of retired police officers under the scheme now back the proposal, contingent on the Federal Government fulfilling its commitments.

Furthermore, Owoseni urged the National Pension Commission to protect the funds managed by the Nigeria Police Force Pension Fund Administrator, alleging that external parties are trying to gain control due to the fund's substantial size. He also advised protesting retirees to pursue dialogue over confrontation, criticizing disruptive street protests that block roads and involve insults.

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He said reconciliation efforts had brought most of the factions together, adding that although one group initially demanded a complete exit from the Contributory Pension Scheme, the majority had embraced the proposed Option B after being briefed on its benefits.