Esther Salifu
Retired Nigerian police officers are intensifying calls for their removal from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), citing severe financial hardship and inadequate post-service support.
On July 21, 2025, retired police officers staged a peaceful protest at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, demanding their exit from the CPS. The retirees, under the banner of the Nigerian Union of Retired Police Officers, expressed frustration over meager pension payments, with some receiving as low as ₦60,000 monthly after decades of service.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, acknowledged the retirees’ grievances, stating, “The Contributory Pension Scheme leaves the majority of police retirees in difficult financial conditions after years of dedicated service to this nation.”
He further emphasized the need for urgent reforms, noting, “This situation is unacceptable, and as a responsible institution, we must seek pathways to reorder the unpalatable experiences of our retirees while giving hope of a secure financial future to our serving personnel.”
The protest highlights the growing discontent among retired officers, who argue that the CPS has plunged them into poverty, unlike their counterparts in the military and intelligence agencies exempted from the scheme.
The retirees are calling for the establishment of an independent Police Pension Board and a complete overhaul of the current pension system to ensure fair and adequate compensation for their years of service.
The retired officers vow to continue their advocacy until their demands are met, emphasizing the need for a pension system that honors their commitment and sacrifices.
