President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate rollout of free healthcare services for low-income retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), describing the initiative as a vital part of his administration’s commitment to social welfare and protection.
The president also approved the prompt implementation of long-awaited pension increases and the establishment of a minimum pension guarantee for the most vulnerable pensioners under the CPS.
This followed a briefing by the Director General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Ms. Omolola Oloworaran, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
A statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, said Tinubu emphasised the need to ensure dignity for those who had served the nation.
The president further directed PenCom to urgently resolve the long-standing issue concerning the pension of police officers, stating that men and women of the Nigeria Police Force, who risk their lives daily in defence of the country, must be able to retire in dignity and without fear.
The PenCom DG briefed the president on measures being taken to preserve the value of pension fund assets amidst inflation and other macroeconomic challenges.
She also revealed plans to introduce foreign currency pension contributions, which would allow Nigerians in the diaspora to participate in the nation’s pension system.
President Tinubu welcomed the proposed reforms, reaffirming his administration’s determination to promote inclusive growth and protect the welfare of ordinary Nigerians, especially retirees.
The DG equally presented updates on several transformative reforms aimed at expanding the reach of the pension scheme and improving the quality of life for retirees.