By Victor Ahiuma-Young

Retiring police officers may soon enjoy improved welfare as the Nigeria Police Force, NPF, Pensions Limited moves to peg police pensions at a minimum of 80 per cent of retirees’ last monthly salaries, offering renewed hope for a more dignified life after service.

This is as NPF Pensions Limited unfolded strategic roadmaps aimed at ensuring a smooth and fulfilling retirement life for police personnel, as part of activities at the 2026 Pre-Retirement Seminar held in Lagos. The Acting Managing Director of NPF Pensions Limited, Mr. Abdulkareem Gezawa, disclosed this at the 2026 Pre-Retirement Enlightenment Seminar for police officers in South West.

The seminar is part of a nationwide programme scheduled to be held across the six geopolitical zones, with the next session slated for Kano in February 2026 for the North-West zone.

Gezawa explained that although the proposal is yet to receive final approval, it is being actively pursued by police authorities to address long-standing challenges associated with police pensions. 

He reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to the prompt and seamless payment of retirement benefits to officers exiting active service.

Highlighting NPF Pensions’ performance since inception, Gezawa revealed that the organisation has paid retirement benefits to 30,370 retirees, amounting to ¦ 97.5 billion. He added that ¦ 39.57 billion has been disbursed as death benefits to 8,847 next-of-kin, while 25,572 retirees currently receive monthly pensions totaling over ¦ 1.56 billion.

The Acting Managing Director stressed that delays in benefit payments are often caused by incomplete or late submission of documentation, noting that some pension funds remain unclaimed for this reason. 

He urged prospective retirees to take full advantage of the seminar and adhere strictly to documentation requirements to ensure timely access to their entitlements.

The Acting MD added that 

“The programme is aimed at ensuring the prompt payment of retirement benefits to police personnel and is designed to be held across the nation, covering all six geopolitical zones. 

“The current session is specifically for officers retiring in the South-West, with plans already in place to extend the initiative nationwide.”

Seamless retirement life Speaking at the event, the Commissioner of Police, Pensions, Force Headquarters, Abuja, DCP Yusuf Doki, said the seminar was designed to prepare officers approaching retirement for the emotional, psychological, health, and financial realities of life after active service.

Doki, who welcomed participants to the seminar organized by NPF Pensions Limited for officers in the South-West region, described retirement planning as one of the most critical challenges faced by employees during their working lives. According to him, inadequate preparation for retirement often leads to anxiety and financial hardship, particularly as retirement usually occurs at an advanced age when health concerns become more pronounced.

“Retirement is not just the end of active service; it is the beginning of another phase of life that requires deliberate planning,” he said.

He explained that in line with the provisions guiding service in the Nigeria Police Force, officers are expected to retire upon attaining 60 years of age or after completing 35 years of service, whichever comes first, after which they become eligible for pension and gratuity.

The CP Pensions noted that the pre-retirement seminar provided a valuable platform for officers to review their years of service, reflect on achievements and challenges, and adequately prepare for a successful post-retirement life. He added that the programme also served as an avenue to celebrate the contributions of officers to national security and public safety.

Doki commended the Acting Managing Director of NPF Pensions Limited, Mr. Abdulkareem S. Gezawa, and his management team for organizing the seminar, describing it as a critical intervention that would enhance retirees’ confidence in the pension system.

Doki expressed optimism that the knowledge gained from the seminar would positively impact the lives of retiring officers, enabling them to enjoy a dignified and seamless retirement.

As part of the programme, NPF Pensions Limited also provided medical check-ups for prospective retirees, underscoring its holistic approach to retirement planning and welfare.

Participants at the seminar were exposed to practical guidance on retirement planning, health management, and financial stability, with assurances that NPF Pensions Limited remains committed to supporting police personnel throughout the transition from active service to retirement.

Speaking, the Assistant Commissioner of Police and Force Insurance Officer, ACP Lydia Ameh, assured participants that their retirement benefits would be paid as and when due, provided all required documentation is properly completed and transfers to the appropriate Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) are accurately carried out.

She emphasized the importance of the programme, noting that it helps prospective retirees prepare ahead of time by clearly outlining what is required of them, particularly in the area of documentation. According to her, the programme also includes medical screenings, which ensure that officers are medically fit and supported as they transition into retirement.

ACP Ameh commended the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) for his strong commitment to the welfare of police personnel, both serving and retired. She described the initiative as a proactive step to equip officers with the necessary knowledge and guidance to ensure a smooth and comfortable life after retirement.

She added that the initiative has been well received within the Force, noting that police officers are pleased with the leadership’s efforts to improve retirement outcomes and overall welfare.