The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed a thorough investigation into allegations raised by a retired police officer who claimed to have received a meagre ₦2 million as his retirement benefit after 35 years of service.
The directive follows the circulation of a viral video in which the retired Superintendent of Police, who left the force on October 1, 2023, voiced his dissatisfaction and disbelief upon being informed by the Nigeria Police Pension Board that his terminal entitlements amounted to just ₦3 million — with ₦2 million as his final pension package and ₦1 million in arrears from October 2023.
The visibly emotional officer rejected the payout, describing it as unjust for someone who spent over three decades in dedicated national service.
In response, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, issued a statement on Thursday confirming that the Inspector-General had tasked the NPF Pensions Limited with an urgent review of the officer’s claims and a detailed audit to uncover any administrative lapses or discrepancies.
“The Nigeria Police Force is not insensitive to the plight of its pensioners, many of whom have devoted their lives to safeguarding the country,” the statement read.
“The IGP views the welfare of both serving and retired officers as a key priority and recognises that timely and adequate pension administration is critical for morale and institutional trust.”
Constructive Feedback Welcomed, Reform Promised
Egbetokun acknowledged that while significant strides had been made over the years to improve police pensions, the incident underlines the need for continuous reform. He also reaffirmed that the Force welcomes constructive feedback from its personnel and retirees.
“The IGP assures all officers, past and present, and their families that the Police Force remains committed to building a pension system that honours their sacrifices,” ACP Adejobi said.
The statement further urged patience and calm among stakeholders as the NPF Pensions Limited, in collaboration with other relevant agencies, works to verify the facts of the case and propose lasting solutions.
A System Under Scrutiny
The viral video has sparked a renewed public conversation about the state of Nigeria’s pension administration, particularly within security agencies. Many social commentators and civil society groups have expressed concern over the perceived inadequacy of retirement benefits for long-serving public servants, especially in high-risk roles such as law enforcement.
The outcome of the investigation is expected to shape future reforms and possibly lead to a broader audit of police pension entitlements.
