The Nigeria Union of Journalists FCT Council and the Nigeria Police Pensions Limited have promised to work more closely together to raise public understanding on pension administration, promote openness and fight disinformation surrounding police pensions in Nigeria.
Grace Ike, the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, disclosed this when media paid a courtesy visit to the headquarters of Nigeria Police Pensions Limited in Abuja.
The media remains vital to democracy, accountability and dissemination of information, said Grace Ike, adding that the visit marked the beginning of a deeper working connection between journalists and the pension organisation.
“We look 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,” said Ms. Makhene.
NUJ chairman expressed solidarity with retired police personnel over worries over pension payments and welfare and said journalists will keep up the campaign for fair treatment and dignity for retirees.
She also advocated for synergy in media advocacy, fact-checking, public enlightenment and capacity training for journalists on pension reporting.
‘We are aware of some of the issues facing retired police officers including recent protests over pension adequacy. “As a union that fights for workers’ welfare, the NUJ stands in solidarity with all working people who deserve fair treatment and payment on time,” she continued.
Speaking in response, the Managing Director of Nigeria Police Pensions Limited, Mr Muhammed Dutse said the agency was committed to transparency and was ready to cooperate with the media to ensure the public was fed with accurate information.
He said the pension industry in Nigeria still faced huge issues in public comprehension, despite being in existence for more than two decades.
“The police pension has become a very sensitive matter in Nigeria. “We want to be able to tell our side of the story in a truthful and transparent way,” he said.
The Managing Director said that many Nigerians were not well informed about the workings of contributory pension schemes and begged journalists to help in public enlightenment through investigative and truthful reporting.
He acknowledged concerns expressed by retired police officers and ongoing protests over pension issues but insisted the group acts within the rules of the law.
“We sympathize with the retirees but whatever we do, we try to operate within the ambits of the law,” he said.
Speaking also, the Secretary and Legal Adviser of Nigeria Police Pensions Limited, said that the business was established as a specialised pension fund administrator to serve only personnel and retirees of Nigeria Police Force.
There are two things here for us, the facts and secondly the truth. NPF Pensions Limited is a need born. “We are licensed to exclusively handle pension of police personnel and retirees of the Nigerian Police Force,” he added.
He said the agitation by the retired police people was due to the peculiar and perilous character of police employment. He said the organisation was working with the stakeholders to improve the benefits beyond the provisions of the Pension Reform Act.
“The scheme is working, but the thing is it should be adapted to the needs of the personnel. We are more than enough and soon it will be a thing of the past by the grace of God,” he added.
Both groups committed to deepen cooperation in media engagement, public education and accountability in pension administration.
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