The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, has commended the National Assembly for its historic passage of the Police Pension Board Bill and the Nigeria Police Force College, Training School and Institution (Establishment) Bill.
Both Bills were passed by the 9th NASS on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, few days before handing over to the 10th Assembly.
The IGP described the passage of the two critical Bills as a milestone achievement with positive impact that will redefine the act of policing the country, standardize the training capacity of the Force, enhance police productivity and address the recurring pension related hardship.
He stressed that the removal of the Nigeria Police Force from the Contributory Pension Scheme and establishment of NPF Pension Board is a welcome development and will be resourceful in addressing the plight of Police retirees.
While acknowledging the doggedness and resilience of the 9th National Assembly in the passage of these critical bills, the Inspector-General of Police commended the efforts of well-meaning Nigerians for their support and concern towards the passage of the Bills which in no time will definitely attract the assent of the President, Bola Tinubu for their full implementation.
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The Police Boss equally commended the steadfastness and patience of the retirees on the age-long battle of the pension palaver and assured that all hands are on deck to make the Bills a reality.
How Insufficient Welfare Packages, Professional Training & good Pension Scheme has Affected the Nigeria Police
The Nigeria Police Force has been facing a number of challenges in recent years, including insufficient welfare, professional training and good pension scheme. This has had a negative impact on the morale of police officers and has made it difficult for the Force to attract and retain qualified personnel.
Lack of welfare has led to a number of problems for police officers, including poor housing, inadequate medical care, and low salaries. This has made it difficult for police officers to make ends meet and has led to a number of them engaging in corrupt practices in order to supplement their income.
Lack of pension has also been a major problem for police officers. Many police officers who retire do not receive their pension as and when due, or they receive a pension that is too low to live on. This has forced many retired police officers to live in poverty.
Lack of professionalism in the conduct of Police officers has been a subject of public debates. Often Police officers are either seen in public domain extorting money from innocent Nigerians or brutalising innocent citizens or suspects, who are innocent until otherwise proven by a competent court.
The passage of the Police Pension Board Bill and the Nigeria Police Force College, Training School and Institution (Establishment) Bill is a positive step towards addressing the welfare, pension and lack of professionalism problems of police officers.
However, it is important to ensure that these Bills are urgently signed into law and implemented effectively so that police officers can receive the benefits they deserve.
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