IGP Proposes 200% Gratuity for Retired Police Officers

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has proposed a 200 percent gratuity for retired police officers as part of efforts to reform the Nigeria Police Force’s pension system and improve retirement benefits.

Disu disclosed this on Sunday in Abuja, saying the proposal is being considered by a presidential committee set up to examine concerns raised by police personnel and recommend sustainable solutions to the pension crisis.

The committee includes representatives from 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.

According to the proposal, eligible officers could receive pension benefits based on their last salaries, alongside the enhanced gratuity.

The package is also expected to address recurring protests by serving police officers demanding an exit from the Contributory Pension Scheme.

“The IG has intensified efforts to secure improved retirement benefits for personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, proposing a 200 per cent gratuity for retired officers as part of wider reforms to address longstanding pension challenges.

“Under the proposed arrangement, eligible officers could retire on pension benefits linked to their last salaries, alongside the enhanced gratuity. 

“The package is also expected to address recurring protests by serving officers seeking to exit the Contributory Pension Scheme, a contentious issue within the force,” he said. 

The initiative is aimed at clearing outstanding pension liabilities, improving retirement benefits and establishing a more efficient pension administration system.

It also proposes extending the reforms to officers who retired before any new framework is implemented, with their benefits reviewed in line with revised terms.

The proposal follows President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in the police pension crisis, which has raised expectations among retired officers who have complained about inadequate benefits, delayed payments and administrative challenges.

The government has reportedly cleared outstanding pension payment backlogs that previously left some retirees waiting for up to two years.

It has also introduced pension increases, with some beneficiaries receiving nearly double their previous payments.

Disu’s engagement with the Presidency, PenCom and other relevant institutions is expected to continue as authorities work to address funding, outstanding liabilities and pension administration.

However, the proposed 200 per cent gratuity has not been approved and remains subject to the committee’s recommendations, government approval, funding arrangements and implementation guidelines.

The final decision will determine eligibility and whether the proposed changes will apply to serving officers approaching retirement as well as existing pensioners.