By Nathaniel Zaccheaus, Abuja
The Senate has assured thousands of aggrieved police retirees that their long-awaited exit from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) will be formally approved next week, signalling a significant victory in their years-long struggle for pension justice.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio gave the assurance yesterday when he received the retirees, who have for weeks maintained a peaceful protest camp at the entrance of the National Assembly complex to demand their removal from the scheme.
Akpabio said the Senate would immediately align with the House of Representatives, which had already passed a bill exempting the Nigeria Police Force from the CPS, and would fast-track concurrence to make the exemption legally binding.
According to a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, the Senate President criticised the policy framework that placed police personnel under the CPS, describing it as “not well thought out” and unfair to officers who risk their lives daily to secure the nation.
“Take it that you have to disperse from the gate. That problem, as far as the law is concerned, is over,” Akpabio declared.
He said, “On Tuesday next week, we will concur with what the House of Representatives has done and produce an Act exiting you from the Scheme.
“I know President Bola Tinubu, being a listening President, will sign it into law. The Scheme is certainly not good for security personnel.”
He faulted the continued inclusion of the Police in the scheme, noting that other security agencies, including the military, DSS, and NIA, had long been exempted.
Akpabio said, “If the Military, DSS, NIA and others have exited, I see no reason why the Police should remain while those in the echelon of the service are out of it.
“You all fought insecurity together. What is good for the goose is good for the gander. We will ensure uniformity from the Inspector-General to the last constable.”
Akpabio lamented that the country routinely adopted policies without properly evaluating their implications, noting that the CPS had imposed undue hardship on many retired officers.
Earlier, the leader of the protesting retirees, CSP Mannir Lawal Zaria (rtd), expressed appreciation for the rare opportunity to meet with the Senate leadership and said the interaction had rekindled hope that their lingering pension ordeal would soon be resolved.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, in a vote of thanks, commended Akpabio for his prompt intervention and empathy toward the ex-officers.
With Senate concurrence scheduled for next week and presidential assent expected to follow, the exit of police personnel from the CPS now appears imminent.
Many retirees had described the development as their first meaningful step toward long-delayed justice.
