In a landmark directive aimed at protecting Nigeria’s most vulnerable senior citizens, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate rollout of free healthcare for low-income retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).
The President issued this directive following a strategic briefing at the Presidential Villa by the Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Ms. Omolola Oloworaran, on the state of the nation’s pension system.
“This is about dignity. Retirement must not mean suffering,” President Tinubu said, according to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. [Source: Nairametrics]
The free healthcare initiative is expected to benefit over 500,000 retirees initially, many of whom are struggling to afford basic services due to their limited pension payouts.
Long-Overdue Pension Adjustments Approved
Beyond healthcare, President Tinubu also approved prompt implementation of long-overdue pension increases as well as a Minimum Pension Guarantee. These reforms are aimed at creating a safety net for pensioners whose savings under the CPS have not kept up with the rising cost of living.
With Nigeria’s inflation rate soaring to 33.4% in Q2 2025 (National Bureau of Statistics), fixed-income retirees many earning less than ₦15,000 monthly are among the most affected groups.
“Our senior citizens must not be left behind in our economic recovery plans,” the President said, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusive economic growth. [Source: Channels TV]
Police Pension Crisis to Be Resolved Urgently
The President also directed PenCom to prioritize resolution of the longstanding police pension issue, which has been a flashpoint of national concern. While other federal workers migrated to the CPS structure over a decade ago, thousands of retired police officers have continued to battle systemic irregularities in accessing their full entitlements.
“Those who risk their lives daily for our security must retire with dignity and peace of mind,” Tinubu emphasized. [Source: Daily Trust]
Pension System to Welcome Diaspora Contributions
During the closed-door briefing, DG Omolola Oloworaran shared ongoing reforms, including a proposal to introduce foreign currency pension contributions, enabling Nigerians in the diaspora to participate in the nation’s pension architecture.
She also noted current efforts to preserve the value of pension assets in the face of macroeconomic headwinds, particularly inflation and currency volatility.
This move aligns with broader strategies to expand the coverage of the CPS, particularly to informal sector workers and self-employed Nigerians, many of whom currently lack structured retirement plans.
Why This Matters
The rollout of free healthcare for pensioners under the CPS marks a paradigm shift in Nigeria’s social protection policy. It reflects an evolving understanding that retirement safety is not just about monthly payouts, but holistic well-being—including access to affordable health services.
Experts argue that with Nigeria’s life expectancy hovering around 61 years, and healthcare costs rising sharply, this initiative could reduce preventable deaths, lessen pressure on families, and boost trust in the formal pension system.
What’s Next
The healthcare rollout and pension adjustment measures are expected to begin before the end of Q4 2025, with the National Pension Commission working alongside the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to structure implementation.
Industry insiders are optimistic, though cautiously so, pointing to the need for robust data, payment verification, and consistent federal funding to sustain the programs.
