Retired police officers across Nigeria are intensifying calls for pension reform, arguing that the current system leaves them financially vulnerable after decades of service. Their dissatisfaction centers on the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), administered by the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), which they say provides inadequate benefits compared to other security agencies.
At the Oyo State Police Headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, retirees staged a demonstration to demand removal from the CPS. They described their retirement packages as insufficient, with some receiving only N1.5 million after 35 years of service.
Joseph Alabi, a retired Superintendent of Police, explained that his monthly pension of N70,000 barely covers basic living expenses. He emphasized that the issue has persisted for over two years, leaving many former officers struggling to support their families.
Alabi questioned why police officers remain under the contributory scheme while the military, Air Force, and Navy have been exempted. He urged the President to sign a bill passed by the National Assembly that would establish a separate pension structure for the police.
“All we are asking is for the President to assent to the bill so that we can have a system that caters to both retired and serving officers,” he said.
Omotayo Salaudeen, a retired Deputy Superintendent of Police, described his retirement benefits as inadequate after 35 years of service. He noted that receiving N1.5 million or N2 million after such a long career is difficult to manage, appealing for public support to push for reform.
Another voice of concern came from Babatunde Oluwatoye, a retired electrical engineer who joined the protest in solidarity. He expressed shock at the low payouts, stressing that such conditions raise serious questions about post-retirement welfare.
Oluwatoye linked the issue to national security, warning that poor retirement conditions could affect morale among serving officers. “When officers are adequately supported, it can positively impact their performance. Concerns about retirement conditions may affect motivation among serving personnel,” he said.
The Ibadan protest is not an isolated event. Similar demonstrations have taken place in Abuja and other regions, signaling widespread frustration among retired police officers. The retirees insist they will continue pressing their demands through lawful means until reforms are enacted.
Some of their complains are follow:
Low retirement benefits: Some officers receive only N1.5 million after 35 years of service.
Insufficient monthly pensions: Payments of around N70,000 are considered inadequate for basic upkeep.
Unequal treatment: Other security agencies have exited the contributory scheme, but police remain.
Pending legislation: A bill passed by the National Assembly seeks to establish a separate pension system for police officers.
Impact on morale and security: Poor retirement conditions may weaken motivation among serving personnel, with implications for national security.
The protests highlight a deep sense of injustice among retired police officers who believe their years of service deserve better recognition and support. Their demands go beyond financial relief, touching on fairness, dignity, and the broader implications for national security. As demonstrations spread, attention now turns to whether the government will act on the proposed legislation and address the grievances of those who once served in uniform.
