A bill to exempt the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) from the contributory pension scheme has passed second reading at the House of Representatives.
The bill titled A Bill for an Act to Amend the Pension Reform Act, 2014 to Provide for Exemption of the Nigeria Police Force from the Contributory Pension Scheme; and for Related Matters” was presented by a member from Delta state, Mr Francis Ejiroghene at plenary.
Leading the debate on the bill, the lawmaker said retired police personnel are passing through difficult times after leaving service.
He stated that while their pension is meagre compared with other security agencies, the contributory pension is an impediment to their access to benefits.
He, therefore, urged that, Section 5 (1) of the Pension Reform Act 2014 should be amended to remove the NPF personnel from the scheme.
Contributing to the debate, a member from Kebbi state, Shehu Koko, described the situation of retired police officers in the country is pathetic.
According to him, the country needs to appreciate their contribution to the security and wellbeing of Nigeria in terms of security.
After the debate, the House passed the bill for second reading and referred it to the House committee on pensions.
Retired police officers also came to the the National Assembly waving placards and singing solidarity songs to give their support to the Bill!
RADIO NIGERIA