Tinubu Orders Free Healthcare, Pension Hike for Low-Income Retirees to Boost Social Protection

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate launch of free healthcare services for low-income retirees under Nigeria’s Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS)—a landmark move aimed at strengthening social protection and restoring dignity to vulnerable pensioners.

The President also directed the swift implementation of long-overdue pension increases and the activation of a minimum pension guarantee to provide a safety net for retirees earning below subsistence levels. The directives were issued following a policy briefing by the Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), who updated the President on key reform efforts focused on improving pensioners’ welfare.

According to a statement from the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the move addresses growing concerns over the ability of many retirees—especially those from the informal economy and lower-tier public or private sector roles—to meet basic needs such as healthcare, housing, and nutrition.

With Nigeria’s inflation rate soaring at 33.4%, pensioners on fixed incomes have been particularly hard hit. The free healthcare initiative is expected to benefit over 500,000 low-income retirees in its first phase, directly tackling one of the most urgent needs of Nigeria’s ageing population.

President Tinubu also called for urgent resolution of long-standing pension issues affecting police officers, stating:

“Those who risk their lives to protect our nation must be able to retire with dignity and peace of mind.”

Beyond welfare measures, the PenCom Director-General briefed the President on steps to safeguard pension assets against inflation and currency devaluation. Plans are also underway to introduce foreign currency contributions, enabling Nigerians in the diaspora to participate in the pension system.

President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive economic growth, emphasizing that no citizen—especially the elderly and vulnerable—should be left behind in national reforms.

The rollout of pension increases, healthcare coverage, and resolution of security sector pension gaps is expected to begin in Q4 2025.