Retired police officers across multiple Nigerian states took to the streets in coordinated protests on Monday, demanding their removal from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) and decrying the meager pensions paid after decades of service.
The protests, which occurred simultaneously in Abuja, Edo, Plateau, Kwara, Taraba, and Cross River states, saw hundreds of elderly ex-police personnel braving heavy rains to air their grievances.
In Abuja, the demonstrators gathered at the entrance of the National Assembly, joined by Omoyele Sowore, the convener of the #RevolutionNow Movement, who led a solidarity march to the Force Headquarters and later to the National Assembly complex.
The retired officers carried placards with inscriptions such as “Decent Salaries Now,” “End Police Slavery,” “Pensions for Police Officers,” and “Dignity for Those in Uniform.” Many were dressed in black to symbolize mourning and grievance.
Harsh Realities of Pension Life
A retired Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), Manir Lawal, lamented the severe economic hardship endured by police retirees due to what he called an “exploitative and unjust” pension scheme. “We are here to ask the government to remove us from the CPS. This scheme has impoverished us. I am 67 years old, and many of us here are in our 60s and 70s. We deserve to retire in dignity after serving the country faithfully.”
Another retired officer displayed his pension receipt, showing he receives only ₦20,000 monthly, despite serving 35 years in the Force. A retired Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) confirmed he receives ₦22,000 monthly.
IGP Responds: We Feel Your Pain
Reacting swiftly, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, addressed the retirees at Force Headquarters, expressing deep empathy for their plight. “We all feel concerned. We empathise with you because we are also going to retire. I have been engaging at the highest level to ensure something is done to improve the condition of our pensioners,” he said.
Egbetokun disclosed that the issue was discussed during a recent meeting with the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, noting that ongoing efforts were in motion, although he refrained from sharing specifics in the presence of the media.
While not opposing the demand to exit the CPS, the IGP acknowledged the long-standing agitation, stating: “If exiting from CPS will solve the problem, I will go for it. But if it proves difficult, we must also explore alternative solutions to improve police pensions.”
He, however, cautioned the retirees to remain vigilant and not allow external forces to exploit their grievances for ulterior motives.
Peaceful but Determined Nationwide Action
In Jos, Plateau State, retirees gathered peacefully in black attire, brandishing placards and vowing to remain in protest until the National Assembly addresses their concerns. Similar peaceful demonstrations unfolded in Kwara, Edo, Cross River, and Taraba states, echoing the same demands.
Background on the CPS Controversy
The CPS has long been a source of discontent for police retirees, who argue that the scheme delivers inadequate returns after decades of service. The National Assembly has received several petitions on the matter in the past, but efforts to amend the scheme or exempt the Nigeria Police Force have not yielded tangible outcomes.
As pressure mounts from the streets and with growing public support, it remains to be seen how the federal government and legislative authorities will respond to what is rapidly becoming a national welfare crisis among retired law enforcement personnel.
