Tinubu Orders Immediate Launch of Free Healthcare for Low-Income Retirees

President Bola Tinubu has mandated the swift implementation of free healthcare services for low-income retirees enrolled in the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), calling it essential for safeguarding retirees’ welfare and dignity.

The directive was announced Wednesday in a statement by Presidential Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga, following Tinubu’s meeting with National Pension Commission (PenCom) Director-General Omolola Oloworaran.

The President also instructed PenCom to promptly execute delayed pension increases and establish a minimum pension guarantee to protect vulnerable retirees.

The statement detailed: “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.”

Oloworaran briefed Tinubu on strategies to preserve pension funds’ value amid inflation and economic challenges, including plans to enable diaspora Nigerians to participate through foreign currency contributions.

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

The PenCom chief also presented upcoming pension system enhancements, with the statement adding: “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.”

These measures underscore Tinubu’s focus on strengthening social safety nets for Nigeria’s elderly population.