DANIEL, HOSHEN EUGENE, PhD
Department of Sociology, University of Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
Email: eugene.daniel2019@uniabuja.edu.ng
ABDULRAHMAN UMAR, PhD
Department of Sociology, University of Abuja, FCT, Nigeria.
Email: adulrahmanumar@gmail.com
&
AMEH, EMMANUEL UGBEDEOJO, PhD
National Open University of Nigeria
Email: eameh@noun.edu.ng
Abstract This paper, titled ―Public Servants‘ Perceptions of Contributory Pension Schemes and the Impact on National Security, Abuja, Nigeria‖ assesses the impact of contributory pension schemes on the lives of public servants (police) and retirees in terms of national security. Additionally, the quest to exclude the police from contributory pension schemes (CPS) has stimulated the need for this paper to address the following questions: How has CPS contributed to national security? What are the challenges associated with CPS, and what are the implications of inadequate pension services for national security? The study adopted a primary method of data collection using a questionnaire, and both systematic and snowball sampling methods to select respondents. The study administered 100 questionnaires to currently serving police officers across each police area command in the 6 Area Councils in Abuja and used the snowball method to distribute 140 questionnaires to retired police officers. According to the findings, CPS has no significant role in enhancing national security. Nevertheless, CPS can contribute to national security through reliable and financially stable pension schemes, as a well-supported police force may be less tempted by bribes or financial incentives to compromise confidential information even after retirement. On the other hand, the inadequacies and shortcomings of CPS have exposed retirees and current employees to economic hardship due to a lack of access to pension funds, making them more susceptible to recruitment by militant groups. The misappropriation of pension funds is a grave concern, as it directly erodes trust in the pension system and reduces the funds available to retirees. The study concluded that the Police Service Commission, in conjunction with the statutory role of the Nigerian Senate, to appeal to CPS or seek alternative platforms of viable pension schemes that