By Ogochukwu Isioma
President Bola Tinubu has directed the expedited rollout of free healthcare access for low-income retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), alongside the prompt implementation of long-overdue pension increases.
He gave the directive during a briefing from the Director General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Ms. Omolola Oloworaran, at the State House, Abuja.
The President described the healthcare initiative as “a critical component of social protection and dignity in retirement,” stressing his administration’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of senior citizens who have dedicated their productive years to national service.
According to presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu also ordered the implementation of a minimum pension guarantee, which is aimed at providing a vital safety net for Nigeria’s most vulnerable retirees.
Tinubu further mandated the urgent resolution of the longstanding police pension issue, emphasizing that, “members of the police force who serve and protect the nation deserve to retire with dignity and peace of mind.”
During her presentation, the PenCom DG updated the President on efforts to preserve the value of pension fund assets, especially amid inflationary and macroeconomic challenges.
She also disclosed plans to introduce foreign currency contributions, which will allow Nigerians in the diaspora to participate more effectively in the national pension scheme.
Ms. Oloworaran’s briefing also included a suite of transformative initiatives aimed at expanding the reach of the pension scheme and improving overall retiree welfare.
President Tinubu expressed strong support for the outlined reforms, reaffirming his administration’s dedication to inclusive growth and the protection of ordinary Nigerians.
