Atiku Abubakar Promises Police Pension Reforms for 2027

Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice-President and presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress, has criticized President Bola Tinubu for neglecting retired police officers, accusing his administration of maintaining a broken pension system. Atiku pledged to overhaul retirement benefits for police personnel if elected in 2027, stating that it is unacceptable for officers who risk their lives to protest for better pensions.

He emphasized that the welfare of security personnel is crucial to national security policy. Atiku expressed concern over the ongoing protests by retirees and directed his team to engage with them to understand their grievances.

He also condemned Tinubu for not acting on the Police Exit Bill, which has been pending presidential assent since March. This legislation aims to remove the Nigeria Police Force from the Contributory Pension Scheme.

Atiku's proposed Police Dignity Guarantee Plan includes restoring gratuity and improving retirement benefits for police officers, asserting that insecurity cannot be addressed while those who protect the country are left unsupported in retirement.