RismadarVoice Reporters
October 18, 2026
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has challenged President Bola Tinubu to explain the reported delay in acting on legislation seeking to address police pension concerns, accusing the Federal Government of neglecting serving and retired officers facing severe financial hardship.
Atiku expressed concern over the welfare of police personnel, alleging that some serving officers had resorted to withdrawing part of their retirement savings to meet basic family needs, while retired officers struggled to survive on inadequate pensions.
In a statement issued on Sunday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku described the situation as unacceptable for personnel who had devoted decades to protecting lives and property.
He called for an urgent review of police salaries and pensions, arguing that officers should receive adequate compensation during active service and financial security after retirement.
ATIKU HIGHLIGHTS RETIRED OFFICERS’ HARDSHIP
The former Vice President cited several accounts of retired police officers allegedly facing serious financial difficulties despite years of public service.
According to him, a retired Assistant Superintendent of Police disclosed that he received a monthly pension of just ₦29,000.
Atiku also claimed that the officer reported the deaths of more than 120 members of his retirees’ association over the previous three years.
In another account, he alleged that a retired Assistant Commissioner of Police had resorted to begging at the Central Mosque in Abuja after being unable to secure employment.
He further cited a retired officer in Bauchi State who reportedly gathered firewood for sale to afford food.
Atiku said these accounts reflected the urgent need to address the financial difficulties confronting former police personnel.
He also alleged that some serving officers had withdrawn 25 per cent of their pension savings to support their families.
The claims, which were presented in Atiku’s statement, have not been independently established.
QUESTIONS OVER POLICE EXIT BILL
Turning to the proposed Police Exit Bill, Atiku claimed that the legislation was transmitted to President Tinubu in March 2026 but had yet to receive a publicly communicated decision.
He cited Section 58 of the 1999 Constitution, which requires the President to signify assent or withhold it within 30 days of receiving a bill passed by the National Assembly.
Atiku demanded clarification on the legislation’s status and urged the National Assembly to disclose whether the bill had received presidential assent, been rejected or remained unresolved.
He maintained that continued uncertainty was unacceptable given the financial difficulties reportedly confronting retired police officers.
The former Vice President also urged lawmakers to clarify the constitutional options available for resolving any outstanding issues surrounding the legislation.
Under Section 58, the National Assembly may reconsider a bill following a presidential refusal of assent and, subject to the prescribed two-thirds majority in each chamber, pass it into law without presidential approval.
However, the precise status of the Police Exit Bill and whether it was formally presented for assent on the date cited by Atiku require confirmation from official legislative records.
PROPOSES POLICE DIGNITY GUARANTEE PLAN
Atiku also unveiled proposals for what he described as a Police Dignity Guarantee Plan, which he pledged to introduce if elected president in 2027.
According to him, the proposed programme would address outstanding pension obligations and establish stronger financial protection for serving and retired police officers.
The plan would include the settlement of verified pension arrears and gratuity claims, alongside the introduction of a minimum pension threshold intended to protect retirees from extreme financial hardship.
He also proposed improved healthcare coverage for serving and retired officers, as well as timely assistance to families of personnel who die in the line of duty.
Other measures would include a comprehensive review of police salaries, improved documentation of pension contributions and entitlements, and the publication of payment schedules to strengthen accountability.
Atiku said the programme would be supported through budgetary provisions, with publicly available records showing payments made to beneficiaries.
He argued that improving police welfare was essential to maintaining morale, professionalism and public confidence in law enforcement.
CALLS FOR GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY
The former Vice President urged the Tinubu administration to demonstrate greater commitment to police welfare, particularly following the approval of salary improvements for members of the Armed Forces.
He maintained that police personnel also deserved adequate remuneration and retirement benefits commensurate with their responsibilities and sacrifices.
Atiku called on the Federal Government and National Assembly to provide clear information on the outstanding legislation and take practical steps to address the concerns of retired officers.
His intervention adds to the debate over police pension administration, retirement benefits and the broader welfare of Nigeria’s security personnel.
The Presidency had not provided a response within the information available for this report.
