IGP Disu seeks 200 per cent gratuity for retired Police personnel

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has proposed a 200 per cent gratuity for retired police personnel as part of efforts to address longstanding pension challenges in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

Findings indicate that a presidential committee tasked with examining the concerns of serving and retired police personnel and recommending a sustainable framework for improved retirement benefits is considering the proposal.

The committee comprises representatives of the Ministry of Finance, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, the Budget Office of the Federation and the National Pension Commission (PenCom).

Under the proposed arrangement, eligible officers could receive enhanced gratuity and pension benefits linked to their final salaries.

The initiative also seeks to address demands by serving police personnel to exit the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

Agitation over police pensions has persisted for years, with retirees complaining of inadequate payments, delays in accessing their entitlements and administrative bottlenecks.

Rising living costs have further heightened concerns about pensioners’ ability to meet household expenses and medical bills.

President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in the crisis has raised hopes of a lasting resolution.

The Federal Government had reportedly cleared outstanding pension payment backlogs that left some retirees waiting for up to two years, while some beneficiaries have received increased payments said to be nearly double their previous amounts.

Further findings indicate that a key issue before the committee is whether any approved changes should also benefit officers who retired before the new framework takes effect.

The committee’s recommendations are expected to address outstanding liabilities, funding arrangements, eligibility criteria and the administration of benefits.

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The IGP’s engagement with the Presidency and relevant institutions is also aimed at advancing discussions on the proposed reforms and improving coordination among agencies responsible for police retirement benefits.

However, the proposed 200 per cent gratuity and revised pension structure have yet to receive final approval.

Their adoption will depend on the committee’s recommendations, government decisions and the availability of funds.

A senior police officer familiar with the arrangement confirmed the development but stressed that the proposed benefits were not yet guaranteed.

“Until formal approval and implementation guidelines are issued, the proposed benefits remain under consideration and do not exist as entitlements,” the officer said.