The plan by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, to effect a 200 percent increase in the gratuity paid to retired police personnel has sparked excitement and commendation from residents across Akwa Ibom State.
Many of the residents, who bared their minds on the matter in separate interviews in Uyo, said the initiative, if implemented, would bring huge relief to thousands of retired officers who are currently battling economic hardship.
The IGP had recently disclosed that the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force is working towards securing approval for a 200 percent upward review of gratuity for officers who have retired from the Force.
According to the Police Chief, the move is part of ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning the Force for better service delivery and ensuring that the welfare of both serving and retired personnel is given top priority.
The proposal has come at a time when retired police officers across the country have been vocal about poor retirement benefits, irregular pension payments and general neglect after years of dedicated service.
In Akwa Ibom State, the news has been received with optimism, as residents believe that improved welfare for retired officers is long overdue and deserves urgent attention.
Speaking to our correspondent in Uyo, Mr. Uwem Benson described the proposed increase as a step in the right direction that would correct years of injustice against retired policemen.
Benson, who said he has close relatives who retired from the police, noted that many former officers live in deplorable conditions, unable to afford decent accommodation, healthcare and other basic necessities of life.
He explained that while officers in other security agencies and paramilitary organisations enjoy relatively better retirement packages, police retirees are often left to fend for themselves.
He therefore urged the Federal Government to ensure that the 200 percent increase is not just a pronouncement on paper but is backed with concrete budgetary provision and prompt implementation.
Benson also emphasised the need for fairness and consistency in the payment of pensions, stressing that irregular payment has caused untold hardship and even death to many retirees.
He pointed out that many retired officers have waited for years without receiving their gratuity, while others receive pensions that are not enough to sustain them for a month.
According to him, when serving officers see that their retired colleagues are well taken care of, it will naturally boost their morale and encourage them to be more diligent, honest and committed to their duties.
He added that improved retirement benefits would also reduce the desperation that pushes some officers into corrupt practices while in service, as they would be more confident about life after service.
Similarly, another resident, Mr. Anthony Akpan, lauded the IGP for initiating the proposal, describing it as a compassionate and timely intervention.
Akpan said the issue of poor pension and gratuity goes beyond the police and affects virtually all sectors of the civil service, where retirees are subjected to endless verification exercises and bureaucratic delays.
He said he was aware of retired teachers, nurses and local government workers in the state who have not received their pensions for several months, despite having served for decades.
Akpan therefore called on the Federal and State Governments to use the opportunity of the IGP’s proposal to carry out a holistic reform of the pension administration system in the country.
He urged the government to simplify the pension payment process, eliminate corruption in pension offices and ensure that retirees receive their entitlements as and when due.
He noted that police officers, in particular, deserve special treatment because of the hazardous nature of their job and the sacrifices they make to protect lives and property.
According to him, many officers have lost their lives or sustained permanent injuries in the line of duty, and their families are often left without adequate support.
Akpan stressed that giving retired officers financial security and a dignified life after service is the least the country can do to appreciate their sacrifices.
Residents also called on relevant stakeholders, including the National Assembly, the Police Service Commission and the Ministry of Finance, to support the IGP and ensure that the proposal sees the light of day.
They argued that a motivated and well-compensated police force is crucial to tackling insecurity and restoring public confidence in law enforcement.
They further appealed to the government to ensure that the welfare of the families of officers who died in active service is also given priority in the proposed review.
In general, the people of Akwa Ibom State expressed hope that the proposed 200 percent gratuity increment will be approved and implemented soon, describing it as a moral obligation and a practical step towards building a more professional, efficient and people-friendly Nigeria Police Force.
