President Bola Tinubu has issued urgent directives for the immediate implementation of pension increases and the establishment of a minimum pension guarantee, aimed at creating a comprehensive safety net for Nigeria’s most vulnerable pensioners under the Contributory Pension Scheme.
The President’s orders came following a detailed briefing from Ms. Omolola Oloworaran, Director General of the National Pension Commission, during which he emphasized the critical importance of providing dignity and social protection for retirees across the country. The comprehensive reforms include an expedited rollout of free healthcare access initiatives specifically designed for low-income retirees participating in the Contributory Pension Scheme.
In a particularly significant move, President Tinubu has mandated urgent resolution of the longstanding police pension crisis, declaring that law enforcement officers who dedicate their lives to serving and protecting the nation must be guaranteed dignified retirement with complete peace of mind. This directive addresses years of pension-related challenges that have affected police personnel nationwide.
The briefing also covered ongoing efforts to safeguard pension fund assets against the erosive effects of inflation and broader macroeconomic pressures that have impacted retirees’ purchasing power. Additionally, innovative plans were discussed to introduce foreign currency contribution options, which would enable Nigerians living in the diaspora to actively participate in the domestic pension system.
President Tinubu expressed strong support for these transformative initiatives, describing them as essential components of his administration’s broader commitment to inclusive economic growth and protection for ordinary Nigerian citizens. The reforms represent a comprehensive approach to addressing systemic challenges within Nigeria’s pension framework while expanding accessibility and benefits for current and future retirees.
The President’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed that these directives form part of a wider suite of pension initiatives designed to enhance overall retiree welfare and significantly expand the reach and effectiveness of Nigeria’s pension system across all sectors of society.