Tinubu directs free healthcare for low-income retirees, pension increase implementation

Abdullateef Fowewe

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the National Pension Commission (PenCom) to fast-track the implementation of a free healthcare initiative for low-income retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

The President in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, described the program as an essential part of ensuring social protection and dignity for pensioners.

The directive was issued after a briefing from PenCom’s Director General, Omolola Oloworaran.

The President also called for the immediate implementation of long-overdue pension increases and a minimum pension guarantee to create a safety net for the most vulnerable pensioners.

The statement says, “President Bola Tinubu has directed the expedited rollout of the free healthcare access initiative for low-income retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), describing it as a critical component of social protection and dignity in retirement.

“He also called for the prompt implementation of long-overdue pension increases and a minimum pension guarantee, which would provide a safety net for the most vulnerable pensioners under the CPS.

“The President gave the directives after receiving a briefing from Ms. Omolola Oloworaran, the Director General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom).

“President Tinubu further mandated the PenCom DG to urgently resolve the longstanding police pension issue, emphasising that members of the police force who serve and protect the nation deserve to retire with dignity and peace of mind.

“The DG also briefed the President on ongoing efforts to ensure the value preservation of pension fund assets, especially in the face of inflation and macroeconomic pressures, as well as plans to introduce foreign currency contributions to enable Nigerians in the diaspora to participate in the pension system

“President Tinubu strongly supported the reforms, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusive growth and protection for ordinary Nigerians.

“During the briefing, the DG updated the President on a suite of transformative pension initiatives to enhance retiree welfare and expand the Pension Scheme’s reach.”