Ill-Timed Panic and the Real Truth Behind Police to Pension Reforms

Maryam Aminu

Amid recent alarmist reports of a looming nationwide strike by alleged “aggrieved” police officers over pension reforms, Ambrose Ijeuwa has offered a strong rebuttal, urging the public to see through the sensationalism and recognize the ongoing, credible reforms in the police pension system.

In his commentary, Ijeuwa criticizes the tone and intent of the circulating reports, describing them as “cloaked in alarmist language” and aimed at sowing fear and distrust.

He notes that the suggestion that police officers have threatened to “maim or kill” colleagues who report for duty during a supposed strike is not only unfounded but “grossly irresponsible” and contrary to the ethos of the Nigeria Police Force, which is legally barred from engaging in industrial action.

While acknowledging that concerns about the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) are valid, Ijeuwa emphasizes that these are being addressed through structured dialogue involving the Ministry of Police Affairs, the National Assembly, pension regulators, and police representatives. “Reform is a process, not an act of theatre,” he states, calling for patience and continued engagement rather than anonymous threats and misinformation.

One of the most notable reforms highlighted by Ijeuwa is the proposed return to a gratuity scheme, which would grant retirees 100% of their final gross annual pay as a lump sum.

According to the Director General of PenCom, Ms. Omolola Oloworaran, this “modest but impactful intervention” is already being implemented in accordance with Section 4(4)(a) of the Pension Reform Act 2014.

Further reflecting the government’s commitment, Ijeuwa notes that President Tinubu has approved N758 billion to clear decades-old pension arrears. Monthly disbursements under the CPS have also increased from N8.3 billion to N11.9 billion as of June 18, 2025, benefiting over 233,000 retirees.

He also points out that delays in paying accrued pension rights are being resolved, with disbursements made up to March 2025 and July payments expected soon. These improvements, he writes, enhance the retirement experience and offer value through market returns on Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs).

“Let us not permit sensationalism to derail a process already on course,” Ijeuwa concludes, warning against what he terms a “campaign of fear and misinformation.”

He calls on the public to support the reform agenda and resist efforts by anonymous sources to destabilize progress, stressing that the Nigerian Police Force “deserves better than the cynical manipulation of anonymous cowards and unverified claims.”