Contributory Pension Scheme: Waive moves to place police at par with Military, DSS

…Seeks police exemption from current Pension Scheme

By Ovasa Ogaga,

The Nigerian Police Force will be at par with the Military and the Secret Service of the Federation, if a bill before the House of Representatives sponsored by the member representing Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituency, Hon. Francis Ejiroghene Waive is successfully passed into law.

The bill which passed the second reading today, Tuesday, in the House, amongst others, sort the exemption of the Nigerian Police from the contributory pension scheme just like its military counterpart.

Leading the debate on the bill before the floor of the house as its resumed plenary after about three months recess, Hon. Waive noted that the Nigerian police are the frontline security agency in the country who are daily exposed to dangers, adding that there was the need for them to enjoy similar benefits as their counterparts in other sister security agencies.

According Hon. Waive while leading the debate on the bill, said: “Mr. Speaker, Honourable colleagues, it is my honour to lead the debate on the bill for an act to amend the Pension Reform Act 2014 to provide for the exemption of the Nigeria Police Force From The Contributory Pension Scheme And For Related Matters.

“This Bill seek to amend the Section 5, sub-section 1 paragraph (a) Pension Reform Act of 2014, to include the Nigerian Police Force as part of the categories of persons exempted from the Contributory Pension Scheme. Those currently exempted by the Act include; Members of the Armed Forces, the intelligence and secret services of the Federation.

“The Nigerian Police was brought under the current pension scheme by the then President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration. The then government, which modelled the country’s Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) after the Chilean scheme (Chile Pension Scheme) that exempted both the armed forces and the police from the scheme, unfortunately in adopting the same model brought the police under the Nigerian Pension scheme while exempting the military and other intelligence agencies.

“Mr. Speaker, Honourable colleagues, the Nigeria Police Pensions Limited emanated from a Presidential approval that was aimed at enhancing the welfare of serving and retired police officers. Consequent to the approval, the National Pension Commission (Pencom) was in 2012 directed to guide the Police towards the establishment of a Nigeria Police Pension Fund Administrator, in order to remain within the Contributory Pension Scheme and to address all other areas of concern on welfare and pension matters. Unfortunately operating under the current pension scheme has been both unpalatable and regrettable for the retirees of the Nigerian Police Force.

“By the express provision of section 4 of the Police Act, the Nigeria Police is charged amongst others with the responsibilities of performing such military duties within and outside Nigeria as may be required by the authority. By this provision, the Nigeria Police Force is the only paramilitary organization in Nigeria recognized as such by law.

“The Police being the frontline security agency in the country are exposed to danger day and night more than other security agencies and as such deserves better treatment during and after service.

“On account of the above amongst many others, the Nigerian Police ought and should be exempted from the current pension scheme like their counterpart in the Military and the Intelligence agencies. For example, the highest retirement benefit of Deputy Superintendent of Police under this obnoxious pension scheme is N2.5m and that of Assistant Superintendent of Police is N1.5m while their equivalent in Army (captain) and DSS are paid N12.8m and N10.3m respectively.

“Mr. Speaker, Honourable colleagues, upon retirement, the take-home pay of a retired Police DSP is just N31, 600 while that of a Captain and equivalent in the Army is N180, 000. While the Police Inspector is N15, 000, a warrant officer, the Army equivalent to a Police Inspector takes home N120, 000 upon retirement.

“The Nigeria Police is the principal law enforcement and the lead security agency in Nigeria. Due to the nature of their job a policeman would risk his life and that of his dependant to serve the nation for 35yrs only to retire to a life of penury. Being made to face humiliation after retirement on account of pension and gratuity scheme not being effective. The Problems with the non-payment of pension benefits under the present scheme are well known.

“Ordinarily, life in retirement, a period of sitting back to enjoy the fruit of one’s hard work, just like any other retiree, should call for celebration. It is a period others look forward to with huge expectations. But not for the men of the Nigerian Police Force. At retirement, they become apprehensive and looks forward to the future with trepidation.

“In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, Hon. Colleagues, this Act when amended will exempt the Nigerian Police Force from the contributory pension scheme to ensure proper remuneration at retirement and also make room for improved welfare for serving police officers.

“This, in turn, will serve as a positive motivation for better service delivery. A well-motivated Police Force is likely to be an efficient and more productive Police force.

“I, therefore, urge you Mr Speaker and my dear Colleagues for your overwhelming support that this bill be passed for second reading and referred to the relevant committee for further legislative processes.”

The bill was unanimously supported by members and was passed the second reading, and thereafter, sent to the committee on pension.