Nigeria Police Force Addresses Concerns Amid Planned Protest by Retired Officers Over Pension Issues
By Yahaya Zakka Minna
The Nigeria Police Force has recently acknowledged the ongoing discussions surrounding a planned peaceful protest organized by retired officers concerning their pension entitlements. While some of the concerns raised are legitimate, the police have noted that misinformation and emotional manipulation have also emerged, aimed at discrediting the government and undermining the current leadership.
In a bulletin released by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, it was emphasized that politicizing this sensitive welfare issue will not contribute to meaningful reform. The statement highlighted that the motivations behind the agitation seem to prioritize disruption over constructive dialogue.
“These actions undermine not only our institution but also the integrity of public discourse in the country,” the bulletin stated.
The push for improved police pensions, especially calls to withdraw from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), has been a recurring issue for over a decade. Although the Nigeria Police leadership has engaged with stakeholders and invested efforts to improve the situation, significant barriers, such as legal frameworks and financial constraints, have hindered progress.
Experts project that as the CPS matures, pension benefits for future retirees are expected to improve considerably. Individuals retiring in the next five years may benefit more than their predecessors, indicating that remaining within the scheme longer could alleviate some challenges faced by current retirees.
Given these complexities, police leadership is adopting a dual-track strategy aimed at supporting the agitation while also seeking innovative solutions for immediate relief for retirees. These solutions include utilizing internal revenues to supplement pension benefits and engaging the private sector for targeted pension enhancement initiatives.
Despite the planned protest set for Monday, July 21, 2025, the police have reiterated their commitment to ensuring it is conducted peacefully. The Inspector-General of Police has instructed all Commissioners of Police to provide adequate security for participants while also preventing any potential disruptions from outside actors.
Furthermore, the police emphasized the importance of respecting the constitutional rights of retired officers to assemble peacefully. The Inspector-General has expressed hope that the protest, deemed “the mother of all peaceful protests,” will serve as a model for dignified expression of grievances and responsible public order management, reinforcing a commitment to safeguarding the welfare and dignity of retired police personnel.
