The impending peaceful protest by retired police officers over pension entitlements has prompted a proactive response from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. While acknowledging the legitimacy of the retirees’ concerns, the IGP has expressed his commitment to providing full security support for the planned demonstration, scheduled for July 21, 2025, in the Federal Capital Territory and other states. Simultaneously, he has cautioned against the politicization and distortion of the protest, emphasizing the need to maintain its peaceful nature and prevent its exploitation by individuals with ulterior motives. The IGP has identified certain actors attempting to manipulate the situation for disruptive purposes, undermining both the police force and the government. He stressed the importance of addressing the genuine welfare concerns of the retirees while guarding against attempts to hijack the protest for political gain.
The IGP’s directives, disseminated through Force spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi, underscore a multi-pronged approach to ensuring the protest’s smooth and secure execution. Commissioners of Police nationwide have been instructed to prioritize the safety and well-being of the protesting retirees, guaranteeing adequate security coverage throughout the demonstrations. They are also tasked with preventing any attempts by miscreants, political actors, or non-retired individuals to hijack the protest and divert it from its intended purpose. Furthermore, officers are to be sensitized on the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and the imperative to treat the retired officers with respect and dignity. This approach emphasizes a balance between upholding the retirees’ right to protest and maintaining public order and institutional integrity.
The IGP’s message extends beyond mere directives; it encapsulates a call for institutional responsibility and a demonstration of professionalism and humane conduct. The protest, dubbed “the mother of all peaceful protests,” is envisioned as a model for dignified expression of grievances and responsible public order management. The police force aims to exemplify its commitment to both professionalism and compassion in handling the situation, setting a national standard for future demonstrations. This framework reinforces the IGP’s commitment to a peaceful and respectful resolution, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and understanding in addressing the retirees’ concerns.
The core issue driving the protest is the retired officers’ desire to exit the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). This is not a new demand; it has been a recurring concern for over a decade, with successive Inspectors-General supporting the retirees’ cause. However, progress has been hampered by a complex interplay of legal provisions, fiscal constraints, and administrative complexities. The existing framework, while intended to provide for retirement benefits, has proven inadequate in meeting the specific needs and expectations of retired police officers, leading to ongoing dissatisfaction and calls for reform.
Despite the longstanding challenges, the current police leadership is actively pursuing both short-term and medium-term solutions to alleviate the financial hardships faced by the retirees. These initiatives include exploring the use of internally generated revenue to supplement pension payments and seeking support from the private sector for targeted pension enhancement programs. These proactive measures underscore the IGP’s commitment to finding practical solutions within the existing framework, while acknowledging the need for longer-term systemic changes.
The police force remains optimistic about the long-term prospects of the CPS. Expert projections indicate that the scheme’s benefits will improve significantly as it matures, with retirees within the next five years expected to receive better payouts. This long-term perspective suggests that while immediate concerns need to be addressed, the CPS may eventually offer a more sustainable and beneficial retirement plan for police officers. This forward-looking approach aims to balance addressing the immediate needs of current retirees with ensuring the long-term viability and effectiveness of the pension system.
