The Bauchi chapter of the Retired Police Officers Association of Nigeria (REPON) reported that over 500 retired officers have died while advocating for their retirement benefits. They demand urgent action from the National Assembly on a proposed police pension board, highlighting neglect of their plight since 2012.
The Bauchi State chapter of the Retired Police Officers Association of Nigeria (REPON) has reported a staggering loss of over 500 members who have died while advocating for their retirement benefits. During a recent press conference, retired ASP John Iliya, the association’s secretary, expressed his deep frustration over the situation, stating, "We can no longer tolerate these empty promises."
Iliya highlighted that a proposed bill to establish a dedicated police pension board has been pending in the National Assembly since 2012, with little progress. The association had previously organized a protest at the National Assembly on May 21, 2024, where they received assurances from Senator Ahmed Abdulkadir Mallam Madori, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs, that their issues would be resolved by September 2024. However, as of October 2, 2024, no action has been taken.
He warned that if the concerns of retired officers, particularly in Bauchi State, remain unaddressed, REPON would be forced to hold another protest. A key demand includes removing the Nigeria Police Force from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) and establishing a Police Pension Board to allow retirees better control over their pensions.
Iliya criticized lawmakers for prioritizing the extension of the Inspector General of Police’s tenure without public hearings, while the pressing needs of retired officers continue to be overlooked. He called on the National Assembly’s Committee on Police Affairs to expedite the bill's passage to prevent further unrest among retirees.
