Retired Police Officers Appeal to Lagos Assembly Over Contributory Pension Scheme
Kehinde Adeleye
The Lagos State House of Assembly has received a delegation of the Association of Retired Police Officers of Nigeria (ARPON), Lagos State Chapter, seeking intervention over difficulties accessing their retirement benefits under the Contributory Pension Scheme.
The delegation, led by the association’s Secretary, DSP Oluwashina Akilade (Rtd.), raised concerns over what it described as prolonged delays and inadequate pension and gratuity payments to retired police officers.
Akilade said retired police officers had continued to experience difficulties accessing their pension benefits, noting that several other security agencies, including the military and other Federal Government security institutions, had exited the Contributory Pension Scheme.
He stressed that the Nigeria Police Force remained a critical part of the country’s security architecture and that officers who had served the nation deserved improved welfare and retirement benefits.
The retired police officer appealed to the leadership of the Lagos Assembly to draw the attention of relevant authorities to their concerns, particularly as they await Presidential assent to legislation aimed at addressing their pension challenges.
Responding, the Majority Leader of the House, Noheem Adams, assured the delegation that the Assembly would obtain their contact details, engage its leadership on the issues raised and communicate its position to them.
Adams, who received the retirees alongside other lawmakers, said the House had taken note of their concerns and would deliberate on the issues with its leadership.
He acknowledged the sacrifices made by the retired police officers during their years of service and expressed the Assembly’s solidarity with them in their quest for improved welfare and access to their retirement benefits.
