…… Announce Welfare Reforms and Strategic Operational Enhancements
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has reiterated the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to exit the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), describing the move as a just cause rooted in the lived realities of serving and retired police officers.
In a strongly worded address to senior officers, the IGP emphasised that the position of the Force remains aligned with the collective aspirations of its personnel. “Let me state unequivocally that the position of the Force remains consistent with the desires of our personnel, both serving and retired,” Egbetokun said. “This stance was clearly articulated during our presentation at the National Assembly’s public hearing and reinforced in my recent letter to lawmakers.”
While acknowledging the complexities surrounding pension reform, the IGP urged officers to exercise strategic patience. “This is not a moment for impulsive action—it is a moment for prudence, strategy, and foresight,” he noted. He assured that engagements with the Federal Government and National Assembly are yielding encouraging responses, including actionable commitments aimed at improving the welfare of retired officers.
Egbetokun also warned against external actors seeking to exploit the issue for political gain. “We will not allow the pain of our heroes’ past to become pawns in another man’s agenda,” he stated firmly.
In a move to further boost morale within the Force, the IGP announced a new welfare incentive: officers who win the IGP’s Award for Exceptional Professionalism two years in a row will now be eligible for accelerated promotion. “This is not just a reward—it is a call to excellence, creativity, and patriotism,” he declared, noting that a motivated force is essential for effective policing.
On the operational front, the IGP outlined strategic efforts to enhance the Force’s crime-fighting capabilities. These include accelerated resource distribution, improved inter-command coordination, and strengthened community collaboration. “Crime does not rest. Criminals do not pause. Our strategy must reflect that urgency—it must be proactive, data-driven, and seamlessly coordinated,” he said.
He stressed that leadership across all commands must remain focused on setting high standards of integrity and professionalism. “Leadership is not a title—it is a daily performance,” he told officers, urging them to uphold the values of accountability, innovation, and discipline.
Concluding his address, the IGP reassured Nigerians of the Force’s steadfast dedication to justice, safety, and national unity. “We will not be deterred. We will not be distracted. And by God’s grace, we will not fail,” he declared. “Let us be remembered not just for what we fought against, but for what we stood for—trust restored, confidence earned, and a Force transformed.”
