Retired Correctional Officers seek withdrawal from contributory pension scheme

A group of retired Nigerian Correctional Service officers, known as Former Correctional Officers, has expressed their desire to exit the Contributory Pension Scheme. They are calling upon President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to facilitate this process.

The retirees argue that they have not seen any substantial benefits from the scheme and have decided that it’s no longer viable for them, especially considering the country’s high inflation rate.

According to Sanya Abakun, the National Coordinator of the association, the current monthly pensions for retired controllers and commandants, who previously held Grade Level 15 positions, average around N75,000. Deputy Controllers on Level 14 receive N65,000, Assistant Controllers on Level 13 get N60,000, Chief Superintendents on Grade Level 12 earn N50,000, and Deputy Superintendents on Level 10 receive N19,000. These amounts are considerably lower than the pensions of their counterparts in the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the police.

Abakun also pointed out that other security agencies in the country, as well as members of the National Assembly’s staff, have already opted out of the Contributory Pension Scheme due to its perceived shortcomings. The group believes that similar adjustments should be extended to retired correctional officers, considering the vital roles they play in the country’s security structure.