Retirement not end of relevance, IGP Disu tells police officers

Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, yesterday, urged serving police officers to begin preparing early for life after retirement, declaring that retirement should not be viewed as the end of relevance but the beginning of another phase of productive service to society.

The IGP made the declaration virtually at the Gallant Officers Recognition and Welfare Initiative 2026, organised by Naija Police & U, themed, “Life After Police: Building Purpose, Welfare and Opportunities Beyond Service.” He said every officer must deliberately plan for life after active service through financial discipline, skills acquisition, education and entrepreneurship.

Speaking on “Building a Professional Police Force and Preparing Officers for Life Beyond Service,” Disu said: “Retirement should never be perceived as the end of usefulness or relevance. Rather, it should mark the beginning of another purposeful phase of life, one in which retired officers continue to contribute their knowledge, leadership and experience to their communities, businesses, educational institutions and national development.”

Commending the organisers for drawing attention to the welfare of police officers beyond active service, he described the initiative as timely and significant.

He said : “Every day, officers of the Nigeria Police Force willingly place themselves in harm’s way to safeguard lives and property, maintain public order, uphold the rule of law and protect the constitutional rights of all Nigerians. It is therefore only fitting that we remain committed to ensuring that they transition into retirement with dignity, purpose and hope.

“Every police officer should deliberately prepare for the future by developing new skills, pursuing further education, embracing entrepreneurship where appropriate, making prudent financial decisions and investing in lifelong learning. A successful retirement is not achieved by chance; it is the product of careful planning, discipline and informed decision-making throughout one’s career,” he said.

Reaffirming his commitment to officers’ welfare, Disu described welfare as a strategic imperative, saying the Force would continue to strengthen reforms aimed at improving healthcare, psychological support, professional development and retirement preparedness.

The IGP also called on the private sector, civil society organisations, traditional rulers, faith-based organisations and development partners to complement government efforts in supporting retired police officers, noting that responsibility for their welfare should not rest on government alone.

He further urged serving officers to build careers founded on professionalism, accountability, integrity and respect for human rights, noting that :”The greatest legacy of a police officer is not merely the number of years served or the rank attained, but the lives touched, the trust earned, the integrity maintained and the example set for others to follow,” he said.