The Committee on the Approval of an Increase in the Rates of Allowances and Offsetting of Outstanding Pension Arrears, Death Benefits and Other Related Expenses has concluded a four-day retreat at Statement Hotel, Abuja, with a renewed commitment to developing sustainable solutions to critical welfare, remuneration and operational funding challenges confronting the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
The retreat, chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Police Affairs, Dr. Ogbonnaya Anuma Nlia, brought together representatives of the Ministry of Police Affairs (MPA), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF), Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation (OAuGF), Budget Office of the Federation (BOF) and Police Service Commission (PSC).
During the retreat, members undertook a comprehensive review of existing police allowance structures, outstanding pension arrears, death benefits, insurance obligations, uniforms and kits, welfare provisions and operational funding requirements. The review also examined the adequacy of existing budgetary provisions, including the Service-Wide Vote, as potential funding sources for addressing verified outstanding obligations and improving the welfare of serving and retired police personnel.
On allowances, the Committee identified significant gaps in the existing remuneration framework, observing that certain allowances were either inadequate, poorly implemented or entirely absent despite the peculiar risks and operational demands associated with policing. It consequently examined proposals for reviewing existing rates and introducing specialised, responsibility-based and risk-related allowances, including special hazard and uniform allowances. Members emphasised that all proposed adjustments must be properly justified, accurately costed and consistent with applicable Police Regulations, Public Service Rules and relevant Government circulars.
The Committee also examined outstanding pension and insurance obligations, including Group Life Assurance, Group Personal Accident claims, death benefits and burial expenses. It stressed the need for comprehensive verification and reconciliation of outstanding claims, premiums paid, Government releases and unsettled liabilities to ensure transparency and facilitate the settlement of legitimate entitlements to affected personnel and beneficiaries.
In reviewing insurance coverage, members expressed concern over the absence of active insurance policies for the 2025/2026 period covering police personnel and critical assets, including buildings, barracks, marine and aviation facilities. The Committee underscored the importance of restoring adequate insurance coverage to protect police personnel, their families and critical operational assets.
On operational funding, the Committee reviewed the nationwide operational structure of the Nigeria Police Force and observed that existing overhead provisions were inadequate to sustain its extensive operational responsibilities, particularly the maintenance and fuelling of operational vehicles and motorcycles across the country. It therefore called for more realistic budgetary provisions that reflect the Force’s actual operational requirements and expanding manpower needs arising from ongoing and projected recruitment.
The Committee further considered the inadequacy of existing welfare arrangements and the need for sustainable funding mechanisms to address outstanding obligations, improve personnel welfare and strengthen the operational capacity of the Force. Members also examined immediate, medium- and long-term interventions, including possible institutional and legislative reforms, to ensure that proposed measures are practical, financially sustainable and consistent with extant Government policies and regulations.
In his closing remarks, the Chairman, Dr. Ogbonnaya Anuma Nlia, on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Police Affairs, Senator (Dr.) Ibrahim Gaidam, CON, commended members for their dedication, sacrifices and invaluable contributions throughout the Committee’s assignment and the four-day retreat. He assured that the outcome and recommendations would be formalised and submitted to the Honourable Minister for onward transmission to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for consideration and approval.
Earlier, members commended the Chairman for his exemplary leadership, commitment and sustained interest in the welfare of Nigeria Police personnel, noting that his dedication and personal involvement had greatly encouraged members to discharge their responsibilities diligently and ensure a thorough review of the issues presented.
The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to producing evidence-based and financially sustainable recommendations that will address outstanding welfare obligations, improve the remuneration framework and enhance the capacity of the Nigeria Police Force to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities of maintaining law and order and safeguarding lives and property.
Modupe Adegboro
Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations.
12th November 2026
