NUJ, Police Pensions Collaborate To Tackle Misinformation

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, FCT Council, and Nigeria Police Pensions Limited have pledged closer collaboration to improve public understanding of pension administration, promote transparency and counter misinformation about police pensions.

NUJ FCT Council
Chairman Grace Ike who stated this during a courtesy visit by journalists to the headquarters of Nigeria Police Pensions Limited in Abuja, described the media as vital to democracy, accountability and information dissemination.

She said the visit marked the start of a stronger working relationship between journalists and the pension administrator.

“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,” Ike said.

She expressed solidarity with retired police officers over concerns about pension payments and welfare, adding that journalists would continue to advocate fair treatment and dignity for retirees.

Ike also called for collaboration in media advocacy, fact-checking, public enlightenment and capacity building for journalists covering pension issues.

“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 said.

Responding, Managing Director of Nigeria Police Pensions Limited, Muhammed Dutse, said the organisation is committed to transparency and welcomed media partnerships to ensure accurate information reaches the public.

He said public understanding of the pension system remains limited despite more than two decades of operation.

“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,” Dutse said.

He urged journalists to support public enlightenment through factual and investigative reporting, noting that many Nigerians do not fully understand how the contributory pension system works.

Dutse acknowledged concerns raised by retired police officers and ongoing protests, but said the organisation operates within the law.

“We sympathise with the retirees, but whatever we are doing, we try to operate within the ambit of the law,” he said.

Also speaking, the company’s secretary and legal adviser said the organisation was established as a specialised pension fund administrator for personnel and retirees of the Nigeria Police Force.

“NPF Pensions Limited is a child of necessity. We are licensed to exclusively manage the pensions of police personnel and retirees,” he said.

He attributed agitation by retired police personnel to the unique and high-risk nature of police work, adding that the organisation is engaging stakeholders to improve benefits beyond provisions of the Pension Reform Act.

“The scheme is working, but 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 said.

Both organisations agreed to deepen cooperation in media engagement, public education and accountability in pension administration.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji