Police pensioners to collect cheques for allowances

Police pensioners will henceforth receive their pension through cheques, Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, has said. Consequently, the IG has directed the Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police to handle the retirees’ pension payment.
Abubakar, during the inauguration of the Force Insurance Transit Camp/Auditorium, in Abuja on Thursday, said the decision to decentralise pension and insurance payment was to improve the welfare of the pensioners.
According to him, retirees’ and family members of deceased officers go through untold hardship regarding accommodation when they come to Abuja for their pension and insurance claims.
The IG said, “If a policeman applies for his insurance claims and he is in Katsina State, we shall with the new scheme send the cheque directly to him. If there is a bank in Daura, he can cash it there. Previously, they had to travel all the way to Abuja to collect sometimes N50, 000 and you know what that means.”
Abubakar, who spoke on the fresh initiatives, said they were part of the police reform programmes.
He added that there was the need for the police management team to work harder to improve not only security but also to show care and concern for officers and men of the force, who give in their best for the protection of others.
He said the transit camp would accommodate serving and retired officers and their relatives, who visit Abuja while processing their pensions and insurance or any other official matter.
The IG praised the Force Works ‘C’ Department for maximising time and resources in constructing the building, pointing out that with more funding, the department as well as the management team would do better.