Retired Police Officers Decry Pension Disparity, Call for Government Action

• According to a statement from PSC spokesperson Ikechukwu Ani, the retired officers called for urgent intervention, expressing dismay at their inadequate pensions compared to the military’s more substantial benefits
  

  ---

Retired police officers have expressed their frustration over the wide disparity in retirement benefits between themselves and their military counterparts, accusing the government of neglect.

They pointed out that former Commissioners of Police currently receive a monthly pension of N73,000, while retired military officers in equivalent ranks are paid over N300,000.

This situation, they argue, is both unjust and a potential security threat.

Led by retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police Maigari Dikko, the aggrieved officers raised their concerns during a visit to the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), DIG Hashimu Argungu (retd).

According to a statement from PSC spokesperson Ikechukwu Ani, the retired officers called for urgent intervention, expressing dismay at their inadequate pensions compared to the military’s more substantial benefits.

They warned that if this disparity is not addressed, it could have serious security implications.

The officers also voiced concerns over the increasing number of police personnel assigned to private homes, which they believe undermines the force’s ability to maintain public safety.

They urged the government to recall these officers and redeploy them to bolster public security.

In response, PSC Chairman Argungu reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to improving the welfare of both serving and retired police officers.

He revealed plans to engage retired officers in the Commission’s Quality Assurance Unit to leverage their experience and enhance personnel management. Additionally, he promised efforts to ensure the recruitment of their children into the Nigeria Police Force, either through the Police Academy or direct recruitment.

Retired DIG Lakanu, who also received the delegation, assured his former colleagues that the Commission would actively pursue measures to address their concerns, particularly regarding poor retirement benefits.