Retired police officers across Nigeria are poised to embark on a nationwide protest to reiterate their longstanding demand for removal from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). The protest, scheduled for July 21, 2025, is driven by the retirees’ deep-seated frustration with the CPS, which they believe has left many of them financially vulnerable and unable to meet basic needs after years of dedicated service to the nation. Organizers of the protest vehemently deny any political motivations, emphasizing that their sole focus is securing a dignified retirement for their members. They insist that the decision to protest is borne out of genuine hardship and years of unfulfilled promises. The retirees, many of whom are elderly, express a determination to see their demands met, conveying a sense of urgency and desperation.
Despite the planned protest, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has pledged to ensure the safety and security of the protesting retirees. He has directed all Commissioners of Police to facilitate the peaceful conduct of the demonstration across various states, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory. Recognizing the retirees’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly, the IGP has emphasized the importance of treating the protesting officers with respect and professionalism. He has also instructed police personnel to be vigilant against any potential attempts by miscreants, political actors or other non-retired individuals to hijack the protest for their own agendas. The police force aims to strike a balance between respecting the retirees’ right to protest and maintaining public order.
The Inspector-General, however, has expressed concerns about attempts to politicize the retirees’ legitimate grievances. He warns against using the protest as a tool for disruption and sowing distrust in public discourse. While acknowledging the depth of feeling amongst the retirees, the IGP stresses that the police leadership remains committed to addressing their welfare concerns. He cautions against the manipulation of the situation by individuals seeking to undermine the government and the police force. His message underscores the importance of focusing on the core issue, which is the well-being of the retired police officers. The IGP seeks to separate legitimate concerns from potentially malicious political machinations.
The current protest is not an isolated incident. The call for police officers’ exit from the CPS has echoed for over a decade. Successive Inspectors-General of Police have acknowledged the retirees’ concerns and have made efforts to address the issue. However, progress has been hampered by a confluence of factors, including existing legal frameworks, budgetary constraints, and bureaucratic complexities. The IGP acknowledges the long-standing nature of the issue and the challenges faced by his predecessors in resolving it. He emphasizes the ongoing commitment of the current police leadership to finding solutions.
The current police administration is exploring both short-term and medium-term strategies to alleviate the hardships faced by the retired officers. While acknowledging the difficulties posed by statutory limitations and financial constraints, the IGP reiterates his commitment to finding viable solutions. He aims to demonstrate empathy and provide institutional support for the retirees’ cause. The police leadership recognizes the urgency of the situation and is actively seeking ways to improve the financial well-being of retired officers. Their approach involves navigating the complex legal and financial landscape to find workable solutions.
In essence, the upcoming protest by retired police officers represents a culmination of years of frustration and unfulfilled promises. While the retirees are resolute in their demand to exit the CPS, the police leadership is committed to ensuring a peaceful and secure environment for them to express their grievances. The IGP acknowledges the validity of their concerns, while simultaneously guarding against any attempts to exploit the situation for political gain. The situation highlights the complex interplay between the retirees’ legitimate demands for better welfare, the police force’s commitment to maintaining order, and the potential for political manipulation of sensitive issues. The ongoing dialogue and efforts to find solutions represent a critical juncture in addressing the long-standing concerns of retired police officers in Nigeria.
