Retired officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service in Kogi State have made a heartfelt appeal to the Federal Government, urging immediate action to address inadequate retirement benefits and significant delays in gratuity payments. This call to action was made during the inauguration of the Retired Correctional Officers Association, Kogi chapter, held in Lokoja on Thursday.

The event saw Mr. Saliu Musa-Halima, a retired Controller of Corrections, assume the role of the association's pioneer Chairman. In his inaugural address, he highlighted the pressing issues faced by retired officers, emphasizing that their welfare and well-being would be his primary focus. Musa-Halima expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him, stating, "It is a critical assignment at this stage of retirement. I will uphold it to the best of my knowledge and ability. By the grace of God, we shall introduce innovations in line with global best practices."

Musa-Halima did not shy away from discussing the grim realities many retirees face, describing their challenges as "cumbersome." He pointed out that neglect after service has led to severe health complications for many, with inadequate retirement benefits contributing to early deaths among ex-officers. "When you restrict their welfare, they die early. Government should consider the plight of our people," he stated.

The chairman further underscored the vital role of correctional facilities in maintaining national security, asserting, "Without the prison, all security institutions are zero, because no one can detain an offender in their house." He urged the government to recognize the foundational importance of prisons within the criminal justice system.

In a candid discussion about living conditions, Musa-Halima lamented that many retired officers struggle financially, often relying on loans to support themselves and their families. He called for immediate government intervention, stating, "It is time for government to act."

Mr. Umar Abubakar, the association’s Publicity Secretary and a retired Deputy Controller of Corrections, acknowledged the improvements made in the welfare of serving personnel under the current administration, led by Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. However, he pointed out that delayed PENCOM payments remain a significant issue for retirees. "While in service, both government and officers contribute to PENCOM. Upon retirement, the accrued money is supposed to be paid. Unfortunately, retirees receive peanuts compared to their contributions," he explained.

Abubakar shared his personal experience, revealing that he has yet to access his gratuity since retiring in November. He urged the Honourable Minister to address the challenges posed by PENCOM, noting that the lack of timely payments can lead to serious health issues such as depression and hypertension.

To mitigate some of these challenges, the association has established a Cooperative and Correctional Welfare Insurance Scheme, which allows members to access funds ranging from ₦2 million to ₦3 million upon retirement, depending on their rank. Abubakar also encouraged both the Kogi State Government and the private sector to engage retired officers in security and intelligence roles, highlighting their valuable expertise in these areas.

The newly inaugurated executives of the association include Hajiya Abdulquadir Ajara as Vice Chairman, Mr. Emma Adepele as Secretary, and several others in key positions. They collectively pledged to advocate for improved welfare, timely gratuity payments, and the inclusion of retired correctional officers in national and state security frameworks.