Retired members of the Nigeria Police Force, along with their families, staged a protest on Monday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, demanding reforms to their pension system.
Operating under the Police Retired Officers Forum of Nigeria, the demonstrators blocked one of the Villa’s gates, calling for the removal of the police from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), which they described as unfair and harmful to their welfare.
Carrying placards with messages such as “End CPS” and “If military, DSS were removed from PENCOM, why not police?”, the protesters voiced frustration over what they see as unequal treatment compared to other security agencies. Many also chanted slogans criticizing the pension system.
According to the group, their protest is aimed at urging Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sign into law the Police Exit Bill. The bill, which was passed by the National Assembly in December 2025 and forwarded to the Presidency in March 2026, seeks to exempt police personnel from the CPS.
Speaking during the protest, retired Assistant Superintendent of Police, Nurudeen Dahiru, expressed deep frustration over the living conditions of retirees. He noted that many former officers, after decades of service, struggle to meet basic needs, including feeding and supporting their families.
Another retiree highlighted the low pension payments, citing personal experience of receiving minimal monthly income despite years of service. He stressed that the current system does not reflect the sacrifices made by police officers during their careers.
The National Coordinator of the forum, CSP Raphael Irowainu (retd), reiterated that the group’s primary demand is the President’s approval of the bill. He pointed out that other security agencies, including the military and intelligence services, have already been exempted from the CPS, leaving police officers at a disadvantage.
This protest is part of ongoing efforts by retired police officers to push for pension reforms. Similar demonstrations have taken place in the past, including protests at the National Assembly and the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Authorities have previously acknowledged concerns about retirees’ welfare but noted that exiting the CPS involves complex policy and financial considerations.
