Days after Doherty’s manifesto unveiling, Tinubu orders free healthcare for low-income retirees, pension increases
By OUR REPORTER
The DEFENDER reports that Tinubu, who was Governor of Lagos State between 1999 eleven democracy returned to Nigeria, has continued to control the state with his grip on who becomes governor, State and federal legislators among others in the state even till present as president of Nigeria ruling the state from Abuja, without such policies in real sense.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly directed the expedited implementation of free healthcare for low-income retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), alongside proposed pension increases and a minimum pension guarantee.
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The directives came days after Funso Doherty, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate in Lagos State, unveiled his manifesto, drawing attention to issues of governance and citizens’ welfare with specific announcement of free healthcare for at least mother and child and free education including books and exam fees for students of public schools in the state.
The DEFENDER reports that Tinubu, who was Governor of Lagos State between 1999 eleven democracy returned to Nigeria, has continued to control the state with his grip on who becomes governor, State and federal legislators among others in the state even till present as president of Nigeria ruling the state from Abuja, without such policies in real sense.
Tinubu’s latest directives followed a briefing by the Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), who updated the President on ongoing reforms to improve retirees’ welfare and strengthen Nigeria’s pension system.
The President described the proposed free healthcare initiative as a critical social protection measure, emphasising the need to ensure that retirees have access to healthcare and can live with dignity after years of service to the country.
He also called for the prompt implementation of pension increases and a minimum pension guarantee to provide financial security for vulnerable retirees under the contributory scheme.
Tinubu further directed the PenCom chief to urgently address the longstanding police pension issue, stressing that members of the Nigeria Police Force who dedicate their lives to protecting the country deserve to retire with dignity and peace of mind.
During the briefing, the PenCom Director-General also outlined measures to protect the value of pension fund assets against inflation and other macroeconomic pressures affecting the economy.
Another proposal discussed was the introduction of foreign currency contributions into the pension system, which would enable Nigerians living abroad to participate in the country’s contributory pension scheme.
The President expressed support for the proposed reforms, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusive growth, improved pension administration and stronger social protection for Nigerians.
The initiatives form part of broader efforts to safeguard retirees’ financial security, expand participation in the pension system and improve the welfare of vulnerable pensioners.
However, no specific implementation timeline was provided for the free healthcare initiative, pension increases or the proposed minimum pension guarantee.
In the meantime, a prominent Nigerian familiar with developments in Lagos State, while reacting to the report from Abuja, asked, “Why take from other candidates’ manifestos at this threshold moment of electoral contest. “Ona Titun” manifestos have been released by the reincarnated Funso’s ADC as a road map for the new Lagos State social schemes for the Lagos state citizens: Wonders never end.”
