President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate rollout of free healthcare services for low-income retirees under Nigeria’s Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), calling it a critical step toward restoring dignity and ensuring social protection for vulnerable pensioners.
The President also ordered the swift implementation of long-delayed pension increases and a minimum pension guarantee, aimed at establishing a safety net for retirees with limited earnings. These directives were issued after a briefing by the Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), during which she updated the President on key reform initiatives targeting improved welfare for pensioners.
A statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy confirmed that the directives follow mounting concerns over the ability of many low-income retirees—particularly those from informal sectors and lower public or private sector positions—to afford essential needs such as healthcare, food, and rent.
With Nigeria’s inflation rate currently at 33.4%, pensioners on fixed incomes have found it increasingly difficult to cope. The new healthcare program is expected to cover over 500,000 low-income retirees in its initial phase, addressing one of the most pressing needs facing the country’s ageing population.
President Tinubu also tasked PenCom with urgently resolving the long-standing issue surrounding police pensions. Emphasising that those who risk their lives to protect the nation must not be forgotten in retirement, he said, “Police officers deserve to retire with dignity and peace of mind.”
In addition to welfare measures, the PenCom DG briefed the President on efforts to protect the value of pension assets amid economic volatility, including inflation and currency devaluation. Plans are also underway to allow foreign currency contributions, opening the scheme to Nigerians in the diaspora.
President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to inclusive growth and pledged continued reforms to ensure that Nigeria’s pension system supports all citizens, particularly those most in need.
Key components of the ongoing reforms, including pension hikes and the resolution of pension gaps for security personnel, are expected to roll out by the fourth quarter of 2025.
