The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), has called for a review of the current defined pension contribution plan for Commissioners of Police and other ranks.
He made the call on Tuesday, February 11, at an interactive session between the Nigeria Police Force Management team and retired Police Officers where he delivered a paper entitled: “Systematic Systems Review of Global Issues on Retirement, Pension, Remuneration and Compensation Principles and Practices.”
DIG Argungu thereby called for the removal of Nigeria Police Force personnel from contributory pension scheme to a defined pension benefit plan in line with global best practices.
The PSC Chairman noted that during employment/recruitment interview, the issue of potential salary and benefits package should be discussed and agreement reached.
DIG Argungu also noted that the significant wage gap between the categories of police specialists should be considered in line with the nation’s best practices.
He advised that the Nigeria Police Force scheme of service should be prepared in comparative analysis in the earning of individuals in different workforce of the Nigeria Police Force.
The NPF pension, he added, should have clearly defined organisational structure in line with reality and the situation in the country, stressing that this “will enable them to be effective in performing their statutory functions.”
The PSC Chairman said the Federal Government should regularly review and adjust the salary structure to reflect the current economic realities and inflation rate.
This, he said, would help to reduce the wage gap and promote equity in the system.
He called for the introduction of a retention bonus in the work force merit-based pay system that rewards performance and productivity.
DIG Argungu said this would help motivate Officers to improve their performance and contribute positively to the development of the country.
On the implementation strategies for the recommendation to work, the PSC Chairman said the Nigeria Police Force Management Team and retired members of the Nigeria Police Officers should set up a high-powered Committee to come up with measures in ensuring the removal of the Nigeria Police Force from the contributory pension scheme to a defined benefit pension plan.
DIG Argungu said the membership of the Committee should cut across all principal stakeholders such as Ministry of Police Affairs as Chairman; National Assembly Committee on Police Affairs, Member; Retired Police Officers, members; Members of Nigeria Labour Union, members; other related organisations, members and Nigeria Police Force, Secretary.
