Retired Police Officer’s Laments Poor Welfare, Seeks Lagos Assembly Intervention

Lagos State House of Assembly on Tuesday received a delegation of the Association of Retired Police Officers of Nigeria (ARPON), Lagos State Chapter, who appealed for support over challenges associated with their retirement benefits under the Contributory Pension Scheme.

The delegation, led by the Association’s Secretary, DSP Oluwashina Akilade(Rtd.), expressed concern over what they described as prolonged delays and inadequate pension and gratuity payments to retired police officers.

Akilapa explained that retired police officers had been experiencing difficulties with their pension benefits, noting that several other security agencies, including the military and other Federal Government security institutions, had exited the Contributory Pension Scheme.

According to him, the Nigeria Police Force remained a critical institution in the country’s security architecture, and retired officers deserved improved welfare and retirement benefits after years of service to the nation.

He further lamented the financial hardship faced by many retired police officers, citing delays in the payment of retirement benefits and the rising cost of living.

Akilapa disclosed that the Association had approached various stakeholders and was seeking a political and institutional intervention to address their concerns.

He appealed to the leadership of the Lagos State House of Assembly to assist in drawing the attention of relevant authorities to their plight, particularly as they await Presidential assent to legislation seeking to address their pension concerns.

Responding, the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Noheem Adams,welcomed the retired officers to the Assembly and acknowledged their contributions to the security and development of the country.

Adams, who spoke in the company of the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Hon. Stephen Ogundipe, and the Chairman, House Committee on Tourism, Hon. Bonu Solomon, said the House had listened to the concerns raised by the retirees and would communicate their position to the leadership of the Assembly.

He assured the delegation that the Assembly would obtain their contact details, engage its leadership on the issues raised and revert to them.

The Majority Leader also acknowledged the retirees’ reference to the National Assembly’s passage of legislation relating to their concerns, noting that the Assembly would await further developments on the matter.

He said the Lagos State House of Assembly appreciated the sacrifices made by the retired police officers during their years of service and expressed solidarity with them in their quest for improved welfare.