NUJ FCT, Police Pensions pledge partnership on transparency, public awareness

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.

Grace Ike said the media remained central to democracy, accountability and effective information dissemination, adding that the engagement marked the beginning of a stronger 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.

The NUJ chairman also expressed solidarity with retired police officers over concerns relating to pension payments and welfare, stressing that journalists would continue to advocate fairness and dignity for retirees.

She called for collaboration in media advocacy, fact-checking, public enlightenment and specialised training 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, Managing Director of Nigeria Police Pensions Limited, Muhammed Dutse, said the organisation welcomed partnership with the media to ensure accurate and balanced information reached the public.

According to him, public understanding of the contributory pension system remains limited despite the pension industry operating in Nigeria for over two decades.

“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 while acknowledging concerns raised by retired police officers over pension matters.

“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 solely for serving and retired personnel 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 noted that agitations by retired officers reflected the dangerous nature of police work, adding that efforts were ongoing to improve pension benefits beyond the current 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 accountability in pension administration across the country.

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