By; IYOKPO J. EGBODO, Abuja
The House of Representatives has moved to exempt personnel of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) from the contributory pension scheme, as a Bill to that effect scaled second reading.
The Bill was for an Act to Amend the Pension Reform Act, 2014 to Provide for Exemption of the Nigeria Police Force from the Contributory Pension Scheme; and for Related Matters”, sponsored by Hon. Francis Waive.
The lawmaker during debate on its general principles, Waive said retired police personnel are passing through difficult times after leaving service, the scheme is not allowing them smooth access to their money.
He called on the House therefore, to alter Section 5 (1) of the Pension Reform Act 2014, to remove the NPF personnel from the scheme.
He said if other security agencies have been successfully exempted, why not the police?
Speaking in support, Chairman of the House Committee on Air Force, Shehu Koko said as a retired police officer, he collects N23,000 as monthly pension, adding that the condition of retired police officers in the country was very pathetic.
According to the lawmaker, the country needs to appreciate the contributions of police personnel to the security and wellbeing of Nigerians.
