The Nigeria Union of Journalists FCT Council and the Nigeria Police Pensions Limited have pledged stronger collaboration to improve public awareness on pension administration, promote transparency and address misinformation surrounding police pensions in Nigeria.
Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Grace Ike, stated this during a courtesy visit by journalists to the headquarters of Nigeria Police Pensions Limited in Abuja.
Grace Ike said the media remained critical to democracy, accountability and information dissemination, stressing that the visit 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.
The NUJ chairman expressed solidarity with retired police officers over concerns surrounding pension payments and welfare, noting that journalists would continue to advocate fair treatment and dignity for retirees.
She also called for collaboration in media advocacy, fact-checking, public enlightenment and capacity building for journalists on pension reporting.
“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, Mr Muhammed Dutse said the organisation was committed to transparency and welcomed partnership with the media to ensure accurate information reached the public.
According to him, the pension industry in Nigeria still faces major challenges in public understanding despite operating for more than 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.
The Managing Director noted that many Nigerians were not adequately informed about how contributory pension systems operate and appealed to journalists to support public enlightenment through investigative and factual reporting.
He acknowledged concerns raised by retired police officers and ongoing protests over pension matters but stressed that the organisation operates 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 created as a specialised pension fund administrator to cater exclusively for 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 stated that the agitation by retired police personnel was linked to the unique and risky nature of police work, stressing that the organisation was working with 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 promoting accountability in pension administration.