Atiku demands police salary review, action

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently review the salaries of serving police officers and clarify the status of the Police Exit Bill, citing concerns over the welfare of retired personnel and the financial difficulties facing officers still in service.

Atiku accused the Federal Government of failing to adequately address the challenges confronting retired police officers, some of whom he said were struggling to afford food, healthcare and other basic necessities despite years of service to the country.

He also called for an urgent review of police remuneration following the salary increase approved for members of the Armed Forces, arguing that serving police officers should not have to deplete their pension savings to meet their families’ daily needs.

The former vice-president made the demands in a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council.

Atiku’s intervention comes amid concerns over pension benefits and the welfare of retired police personnel, with some former officers reportedly demanding action on legislation intended to address their retirement arrangements.

Retired officers face hardship

Atiku recounted the experience of a retired Assistant Superintendent of Police who reportedly told him that he received a monthly pension of ₦29,000.

He questioned how a retired officer could meet basic living expenses with such an amount, adding that the officer had reported the deaths of more than 120 members of his association of retired personnel within three years.

The former vice-president urged Tinubu to engage directly with retired officers to understand the difficulties they face and take steps to improve their living conditions.

He also narrated the experience of a retired Assistant Commissioner of Police who allegedly sought employment after leaving the force and was later found begging at the Central Mosque in Abuja.

According to Atiku, one of his media managers recognised the former officer and brought her situation to his attention, leading to an intervention.

He said the incident highlighted the vulnerability of retired personnel who might have no access to assistance after leaving active service.

Atiku argued that individual interventions could provide temporary relief but would not address the broader problems associated with inadequate pensions and retirement security.

He also cited the case of a retired police officer in Bauchi who reportedly resorted to gathering firewood for sale to afford food.

The former vice-president said such experiences raised questions about the support available to people who had spent years protecting lives and property.

Serving officers struggle with rising costs

Atiku further alleged that some serving police officers had resorted to withdrawing 25 per cent of their pension savings to provide food and other necessities for their families.

He attributed the reported difficulties to rising costs of food, transportation and medicine, which he said had placed additional pressure on officers’ earnings.

According to him, the situation requires urgent attention because police personnel are expected to confront armed criminals and other security threats while also providing for their families.

He called for a review of police salaries to improve officers’ purchasing power and reduce the need to draw on funds intended for their retirement.

Atiku maintained that welfare measures should cover both serving personnel and retirees, including access to healthcare, timely payment of pensions and adequate support for families of officers who die in the line of duty.

He also proposed a system that would allow officers approaching retirement to obtain clear records of their pension contributions and entitlements, alongside a reliable mechanism for resolving disputes.

Police Exit Bill: Atiku seeks explanation

A major part of Atiku’s demand centred on the Police Exit Bill, which he said had been sent to Tinubu in March but remained without a decision as of October.

He cited Section 58 of the Constitution, arguing that the provision gives the President 30 days to signify assent to a bill or withhold it.

Atiku criticised the delay, saying retired officers needed clarity on legislation that could affect their pension arrangements and financial security.

He urged the National Assembly to publish the bill’s formal status, demand an explanation for the delay and determine the constitutional steps available to resolve the matter.

The former vice-president also called for transparency in the legislative process, saying that if a vote became necessary, lawmakers should take the decision openly.

The status of the bill and the specific reasons for the reported delay were not detailed in the statement.

Atiku unveils proposed Police Dignity Guarantee Plan

Atiku said that if he assumed office in May 2027, he would introduce what he described as a Police Dignity Guarantee Plan to address the welfare concerns of serving and retired police officers.

Under the proposed plan, he said his administration would audit verified pension arrears and gratuity claims and establish published timelines for settling outstanding payments.

He also proposed a minimum pension threshold that would be reviewed in line with changes in the cost of living.

Atiku said the plan would include insured healthcare for serving officers and retirees, as well as medical support for personnel injured in the line of duty.

He added that families of officers killed while serving would receive timely assistance, while pension verification procedures would be adjusted to accommodate retirees whose health conditions prevented them from travelling.

The former vice-president further promised to review police salaries, provide officers with clear records of their pension contributions and entitlements before retirement, and establish reliable channels for resolving pension-related complaints.

He said funding for the proposed measures would be provided for in the budget, with details of payments made available to the public.

Atiku maintained that improving police welfare should remain a priority for the government, arguing that officers who protect the country should also be able to provide for their families during and after their service.