By Esther Ososanya
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate rollout of free healthcare for low-income retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).
He described the initiative as a vital part of his administration’s plan to protect vulnerable citizens and uphold dignity in retirement.
The President gave the order after receiving a detailed briefing from Ms Omolola Oloworaran, the Director General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), at the State House on August 6, 2025.
In addition, President Tinubu called for the prompt implementation of overdue pension increases and the introduction of a Minimum Pension Guarantee, which will provide a financial safety net for Nigeria’s poorest pensioners.
“Retirees who gave their working years to Nigeria must not be left behind,” he said. “They deserve healthcare, protection, and dignity.”
New Policy Measures to Boost Pensioner Welfare
During the meeting, the PenCom DG outlined a set of reforms aimed at improving retiree welfare and making the CPS more inclusive.
Key points from the presentation included:
- Protecting pension fund assets from inflation and macroeconomic shocks
- Enabling diaspora Nigerians to contribute in foreign currency
- Rolling out new programmes to support low-income retirees
The president welcomed these proposals. He said they reflect his broader commitment to economic justice and shared prosperity for all Nigerians, especially senior citizens.
Police Pension Crisis: Tinubu Demands Urgent Fix
A major focus of the discussion was the ongoing issue with police pensions. President Tinubu instructed the PenCom DG to act swiftly and end the delay.
“Those who serve and protect the country should retire with peace of mind,” he declared.
He emphasised that no officer should be left to suffer after decades of national service.
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President Tinubu also backed ongoing efforts to improve the long-term sustainability of the pension system. According to the PenCom DG, reforms will now prioritise:
- Greater efficiency
- Better coverage
- Flexibility for contributors in Nigeria and abroad
These steps, she said, would help preserve the real value of pensions, even during inflation.
As Nigeria faces economic pressure, the government is expected to accelerate efforts to expand pension access, improve benefits, and protect the dignity of retirees.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
