The Senate has passed a landmark bill establishing an independent Pension Board for the Nigeria Police Force, setting the stage for the police to exit the national Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).
The bill, which originated from the House of Representatives, was approved on the floor of the Senate after receiving concurrence, marking a major step toward overhauling the welfare structure of police personnel in the country.
Once the bill secures presidential assent, the Nigeria Police Force will operate its own dedicated pension administration system, separate from the broader contributory framework that currently governs the retirement benefits of federal employees. The proposed Police Pension Board is expected to address long-standing concerns raised by serving and retired officers regarding delays, disparities and perceived inadequacies associated with the CPS.
The move is widely regarded as a significant policy shift aimed at improving the morale and post-service welfare of police officers, who have for years advocated for a pension structure tailored to the unique demands of their profession. With Senate approval now secured, attention turns to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose assent will officially bring the Police Pension Board into existence and trigger full administrative transition from the contributory scheme.
If signed into law, the development will mark a new era for police welfare management, potentially offering more streamlined benefits and a pension system designed to better serve Nigeria’s frontline security personnel.
