ATIKU CHALLENGES TINUBU TO EXPLAIN DELAY OVER POLICE EXIT BILL, DEMANDS BETTER WELFARE FOR OFFICERS

By NaijaParrot October 18, 2026 

 ABUJA, NIGERIA — Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has challenged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to explain the delay in taking action on the Police Exit Bill, raising concerns over the welfare of serving and retired police officers. Atiku alleged that some retired officers were struggling to afford basic necessities despite decades of service, while some serving personnel had reportedly resorted to withdrawing part of their pension savings to support their families. He made the remarks in a statement issued on Sunday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council.

Atiku said the Police Exit Bill was forwarded to Tinubu in March 2026 but remained unresolved as of October. He cited Section 58 of the Nigerian Constitution, arguing that the President should have communicated his decision within the constitutionally stipulated period for presidential assent to legislation. 

 The former vice president called on the Presidency to clarify the bill’s status and explain whether the President had assented to it or withheld assent. He also urged the National Assembly to make the bill’s formal status public and determine the constitutional steps available to resolve the matter. However, the specific status of the bill and the circumstances surrounding its transmission and consideration should be confirmed through official records from the Presidency and the National Assembly. 

 Atiku expressed concern over reports of retired police officers struggling financially after completing years of service. He cited the case of a retired Assistant Superintendent of Police who reportedly receives a monthly pension of ₦29,000. 

According to Atiku, the retiree also told him that more than 120 members of his association had died within three years. He further recounted the case of a retired senior police officer who allegedly resorted to begging for financial assistance after failing to secure work. 

 In another example, Atiku said a retired officer in Bauchi had begun gathering firewood for sale to afford food. These accounts were presented by Atiku as examples of the difficulties confronting some retired personnel. The individual cases and figures have not been independently verified in the reports reviewed. 

 Atiku also called for a review of police salaries, arguing that rising costs of food, transportation and healthcare were placing additional pressure on serving officers. He alleged that some police personnel had withdrawn up to 25 per cent of their pension savings to meet household expenses. According to him, officers who risk their lives to protect Nigerians should receive adequate remuneration while in service and dependable pension benefits after retirement. 

 His comments followed reports of a pay increase approved for members of the Armed Forces, which he cited while calling for greater attention to police welfare.

 The former vice president said he would introduce a programme known as the Police Dignity Guarantee Plan if elected president in 2027. According to his statement, the proposed programme would include: 

 * Auditing and settling verified pension arrears and gratuity claims. 

* Establishing a minimum pension benchmark, with reviews reflecting changes in the cost of living. 

* Providing healthcare coverage for serving and retired police officers. 

* Ensuring timely support for families of officers killed while on duty. 

* Reviewing police salaries to improve officers’ ability to meet household expenses. 

* Improving the transparency of pension contributions, entitlements and payment schedules. 

* Arranging home-based verification for retirees whose health conditions prevent them from travelling. 

 said the proposed programme would receive budgetary provisions and that payments would be publicly documented. The measures remain campaign proposals and would require appropriate funding, policy decisions and implementation if adopted by a future administration. 

 The controversy has renewed attention on police remuneration, retirement benefits and the treatment of personnel who leave active service. 

 For serving officers, adequate pay and reliable benefits are important considerations in personnel welfare. For retirees, timely pension payments and access to healthcare can determine whether they are able to meet essential needs after years of public service. 

 The Federal Government’s position on the Police Exit Bill remains central to the issue raised by Atiku. An official clarification of the bill’s status would help establish the next steps in the legislative process. 

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