By Gloria Josiah
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ FCT Council, and Nigeria Police Pensions Limited have pledged to work more closely to improve public understanding of pension administration, promote transparency, and address misinformation about police pensions in Nigeria.
The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by journalists to the headquarters of Nigeria Police Pensions Limited in Abuja.
NUJ FCT Council Chairman Grace Ike said the media plays a critical role in democracy, accountability, and information sharing, and described the visit as the start of a stronger working relationship.
โWe 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,โ she said.
Ike expressed solidarity with retired police officers over concerns about pension payments and welfare. She said journalists would continue to advocate for fair treatment and dignity for retirees, and called for collaboration on media advocacy, fact-checking, public enlightenment, and training for journalists on pension reporting.
โWe are aware of some of the challenges facing retired police officers, including recent protests over pension adequacy. As a union that champions workersโ welfare, the NUJ stands in solidarity with all working people who deserve fair treatment and timely payment,โ she added.
Managing Director of Nigeria Police Pensions Limited, Mr. Muhammed Dutse, said the organization is committed to transparency and welcomes media partnership to ensure accurate information reaches the public.
He noted that despite operating for more than two decades, the pension industry still faces challenges in public understanding. โThe 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,โ he said.
Dutse said many Nigerians are not adequately informed about how the contributory pension system works and urged journalists to support public enlightenment through investigative and factual reporting. He acknowledged concerns raised by retirees and ongoing protests but stressed that the organization operates within the law.
โWe sympathize with the retirees, but whatever we are doing, we try to operate within the ambit of the law,โ he stated.
The organizationโs Secretary and Legal Adviser explained that Nigeria Police Pensions Limited was established as a specialized pension fund administrator licensed to exclusively manage pensions for police personnel and retirees.
โFor us here, there are two things, the facts and then the truth. NPF Pensions Limited is a child of necessity,โ he said.
He added that the agitation by retired officers is linked to the unique and risky nature of police work, and that the organization is working with stakeholders to improve benefits beyond the provisions of the Pension Reform Act.
โThe 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,โ he said.
Both organizations agreed to deepen cooperation in media engagement, public education, and promoting accountability in pension administration.
