Tinubu orders immediate rollout of free healthcare for low-income retirees

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate implementation of a free healthcare initiative for low-income retirees enrolled under the Contributory Pension Scheme, describing it as a vital pillar of social protection and a step towards restoring dignity in retirement.

This directive was announced in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga. President Tinubu also called for the swift execution of long-overdue pension increases and the establishment of a minimum pension guarantee, intended to serve as a financial safety net for the most vulnerable pensioners.

The directive followed a briefing the President received from the Director General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Ms Omolola Oloworaran.

President Tinubu further instructed PenCom to urgently resolve the long-standing issue concerning police pensions, stating that officers who have dedicated their lives to serving and safeguarding the nation must be allowed to retire with dignity and peace of mind.

According to the statement, Ms Oloworaran also updated the President on ongoing efforts to preserve the value of pension fund assets amid inflationary and macroeconomic challenges. She outlined plans to introduce foreign currency pension contributions, which would allow Nigerians in the diaspora to participate in the national pension scheme.

The President expressed strong support for these reforms, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusive growth and social protection for all Nigerians, especially the elderly and economically disadvantaged.

During the engagement, the Director General highlighted a range of transformative pension initiatives designed to improve the welfare of retirees and extend the coverage of the Contributory Pension Scheme.