Dickson Promises Police Pension Overhaul, Says Retired Officers Deserve Better Retirement
National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has promised to remove the Nigeria Police Force from the contributory pension scheme if the party assumes power, saying retired officers deserve a more decent and secure life after years of service.
Dickson said the proposed policy under an NDC-led government would address the financial difficulties confronting retired police personnel and ensure that their welfare receives greater attention.
The former Bayelsa State governor made the pledge on Friday when about 60 retired senior police officers from Bayelsa West Senatorial District paid him a courtesy visit at his country home in Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State.
He expressed concern over the hardship experienced by retired officers, particularly their struggles to provide for their families, meet basic needs and manage health-related challenges after retirement.
According to him, an NDC government under the presidency of Mr Peter Obi would prioritise the welfare of both serving and retired police personnel.
Dickson, who represents Bayelsa West in the 10th Senate, thanked the delegation for the visit and their show of solidarity and support for him and the NDC.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, a retired Chief Superintendent of Police, Mr Gold Akponafa, said the visit was to honour Dickson, whom he described as a prominent figure in the Ijaw nation and a representative of the wider interests of Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta.
Akponafa also praised Dickson’s political achievements, particularly his role in founding the NDC, describing the party as a leading opposition platform in the country.
He disclosed that the retired officers had unanimously resolved to support Dickson’s re-election and work for NDC candidates across the presidential, governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly elections in Bayelsa State.
On the proposed pension reform, Akponafa commended Dickson for speaking out on behalf of retired police officers, whom he said had long felt marginalised by the contributory pension arrangement.
The contributory pension scheme has remained a major concern among retired police personnel, who have repeatedly complained about the inadequacy of their retirement benefits compared with those of retired personnel in other security services.
The proposed withdrawal of the police from the scheme, if implemented, would represent a significant policy shift in addressing the longstanding pension concerns of retired officers.
