JUST IN: Tinubu orders free healthcare for low-income retirees, approves pension reforms
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate rollout of free healthcare services for low-income retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), as part of efforts to strengthen social protection and improve the welfare of vulnerable Nigerians.
The president also ordered the prompt implementation of long-overdue pension increases and a minimum pension guarantee, ensuring that retirees—particularly those with limited means—can maintain a basic standard of living.
These directives were contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, following a policy briefing with the Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Ms Omolola Oloworaran.
Tinubu stressed that the reforms are essential to upholding the dignity of retired workers, noting that retirement should not equate to suffering. He also tasked the PenCom chief with urgently resolving the lingering police pension crisis, which has sparked nationwide protests by retired officers.
“The men and women of our police force, who put their lives on the line for national security, deserve to retire with peace and dignity,” Tinubu stated.
The call to action follows growing discontent among retired police officers, many of whom have demanded the exit of the Nigeria Police Force from the CPS, citing poor pension benefits and structural issues within the system.
During the briefing, Oloworaran outlined PenCom’s ongoing initiatives to address inflationary pressures and preserve the value of pension funds. She also disclosed plans to introduce foreign currency-denominated contributions, which will allow Nigerians in the diaspora to participate in the national pension scheme.
Additionally, the PenCom D-G unveiled upcoming reforms aimed at broadening pension coverage and enhancing the welfare of current and future retirees.
President Tinubu welcomed the proposals and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive economic growth and comprehensive social safety nets for ordinary Nigerians.
