Lagos police retirees ask lawmakers to intervene in pension delays

Retired police officers in Lagos State have asked the state House of Assembly to intervene in delays and alleged shortfalls affecting their pensions and gratuities under the Contributory Pension Scheme. The appeal was made during a visit to the Assembly by the Lagos chapter of the Association of Retired Police Officers of Nigeria. The delegation was led by its secretary, DSP Oluwashina Akilade (retd.).

The retirees said accessing their benefits had become increasingly difficult amid rising living costs. They asked the lawmakers to draw the attention of relevant authorities to their situation and support efforts to resolve the pension dispute. According to a statement from the Assembly’s press office, the association said the military and other Federal Government security institutions had left the CPS.

It argued that the Nigeria Police Force, because of its national security responsibilities, should receive similar consideration in the treatment of its personnel after retirement. The retirees also referred to legislation passed by the National Assembly that would address the issue and is awaiting presidential assent. They appealed to the Assembly to support the passage of the measure into effect and help secure improved retirement benefits for former police officers.

Receiving the delegation, the House Majority Leader, Noheem Adams, said the Assembly had taken note of the concerns. He was accompanied by Stephen Ogundipe, chairman of the House Committee on Information, and Bonu Solomon, chairman of the House Committee on Tourism. Adams said the Assembly would obtain the association’s contact details and engage its leadership on the issues raised.

He added that the House would communicate its position after consultations with its leadership and acknowledged the retirees’ reference to the National Assembly legislation. He commended the former officers for their service and expressed support for their demand for improved welfare and retirement benefits. The appeal comes as police pensioners continue to press for removal from the CPS, with a national retirees’ forum announcing a fresh protest over delayed assent to a Police Exit Bill.