The House of Representatives is considering a bill to establish a dedicated commission responsible for the welfare and post-retirement needs of former police officers in Nigeria.

The proposed Nigeria Police Veterans Commission is expected to provide support in areas such as healthcare, pensions, housing, education, disability assistance and rehabilitation for retired and medically discharged personnel.

The bill, sponsored by Lanre Okunlola, who represents Surulere II Federal Constituency of Lagos State, was introduced for first reading in the House last week.

It seeks to create a national system for coordinating welfare services for former officers of the Nigeria Police Force and state police services, while recognising their contributions to public safety.

Under the proposal, the commission would help retired officers access their pensions, gratuities and other legally approved retirement benefits. It would also provide support programmes for their families and assist officers who became permanently disabled or were medically retired because of their service.

A key feature of the bill is the proposed establishment of a Police Veterans Fund under Section 48. The fund would finance the commission’s operations and welfare initiatives.

The legislation also provides for a Police Veterans Reserve, a voluntary programme that would allow qualified retired officers to offer their professional experience and expertise to the policing system.

The commission would be supervised by a governing board comprising a chairman appointed by the President, subject to Senate confirmation, and the commission’s Director-General.

Other proposed members include representatives of the Ministry of Police Affairs, Police Service Commission, National Pension Commission, Federal Ministry of Finance and National Health Insurance Authority.

The board would oversee policy direction, approve strategic plans and annual budgets, monitor the use of the veterans’ fund and establish national standards for the welfare of former officers.

If established, the commission would maintain a national register of police veterans, coordinate welfare services, facilitate access to healthcare and provide assistance to the families of deceased and disabled personnel.

It would also be empowered to collaborate with government agencies, private organisations and development partners to deliver housing and other support services. Grants and donations could also be accepted to fund its activities.

The proposed law further requires the commission to develop a National Police Veterans Policy in consultation with relevant stakeholders. The policy would be reviewed every five years to reflect the changing needs of retired officers.

A national register would also be maintained to verify former personnel and support the planning and delivery of pensions-related assistance, healthcare, disability services and other lawful benefits.

The bill defines a police veteran as an individual who has honourably retired after qualifying service in the Nigeria Police Force or a state police force, as well as anyone medically retired or permanently disabled as a result of service.

The proposed commission is intended to create a coordinated system for addressing the challenges faced by former police personnel and ensuring that their families receive support where necessary.