The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, and Nigeria Police Pensions Limited have pledged to strengthen collaboration aimed at improving public understanding of pension administration, promoting transparency and addressing misinformation surrounding police pensions in Nigeria.
Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Grace Ike, made this known during a courtesy visit by journalists to the headquarters of Nigeria Police Pensions Limited in Abuja.
She described the media as critical to democracy, accountability and information dissemination, noting that the engagement marked the beginning of a stronger working relationship between journalists and the pension organisation.
“We are looking forward to a fruitful partnership because when journalists and pension administrators work together, we strengthen democracy, promote transparency and ensure that those who served our nation are cared for with dignity,” she said.
Grace Ike also expressed solidarity with retired police officers over concerns surrounding pension payments and welfare, assuring that journalists would continue to advocate fair treatment and dignity for retirees.
According to her, the NUJ is ready to collaborate with the organisation in media advocacy, fact-checking, public enlightenment and capacity building for journalists covering pension-related issues.
“We are aware of some of the challenges facing retired police officers, including recent protests over pension adequacy. As a union that champions workers’ welfare, the NUJ stands in solidarity with all working people who deserve fair treatment and timely payment,” she added.
Responding, the Managing Director of Nigeria Police Pensions Limited, Muhammed Dutse, said the organisation remained committed to transparency and welcomed partnership with the media to ensure accurate information reached the public.
He noted that despite over two decades of pension reform in Nigeria, public understanding of the contributory pension system remained poor.
“The issue of pension in Nigeria has become very sensitive, especially police pension. We want the media to help us tell our own side of the story truthfully and transparently,” he said.
Dutse appealed to journalists to support public enlightenment through factual and investigative reporting, stressing that many Nigerians were still not adequately informed about how the pension system operates.
He acknowledged concerns raised by retired police officers and recent protests over pension matters but maintained that the organisation operates strictly within the provisions of the law.
“We sympathise with the retirees, but whatever we are doing, we try to operate within the ambit of the law,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Secretary and Legal Adviser of Nigeria Police Pensions Limited explained that the organisation was established as a specialised pension fund administrator dedicated exclusively to personnel and retirees of the Nigeria Police Force.
“For us here, there are two things, the facts and then the truth. NPF Pensions Limited is a child of necessity. We are licensed to exclusively manage the pensions of police personnel and retirees of the Nigerian Police Force,” he said.
He explained that agitation by retired police personnel was largely connected to the unique and hazardous nature of police duties, adding that the organisation was working with relevant stakeholders to improve benefits beyond the provisions of the Pension Reform Act.
“The scheme is working, but the truth of the matter is that it should be tailored to the needs of the personnel. We are doing more than enough and, by the grace of God, it will soon be a thing of the past,” he added.
Both organisations agreed to deepen cooperation in media engagement, public education and the promotion of accountability in pension administration across the country.
