Retired police pension protest in Abuja sees ex-officers defy heavy rain to demand justice, dignity, and urgent reforms to Nigeria’s contributory pension scheme.
Former Police Officers Demand Exit from Contributory Scheme
Dozens of retired Nigerian police officers gathered under the pouring rain on Monday, July 21, 2025, at the gates of the National Assembly in Abuja.
They voiced deep frustrations with a pension system they say has robbed them of the dignity they earned through decades of service.
These older citizens many aged between 60 and 75 are calling for their removal from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).
According to them, the scheme has not only failed to protect their post-service livelihoods but has also led many into poverty.
Braving Harsh Weather to Make a Point
Despite the heavy rainfall, the protesting officers stood resolutely. They carried placards, sang solidarity songs, and refused to be moved.
For them, the downpour symbolized the hardship they had already endured for years.
Speaking at the scene, retired Chief Superintendent of Police, Manir Lawal, now 67 years old, explained why they came out in force:
“We’re not begging for favours. We’re demanding fairness. The Contributory Pension Scheme has drained us. It must stop now.”
A Broken Promise, A Crippling System
The retired police pension protest highlights a fundamental flaw in Nigeria’s current pension structure for security personnel.
Under the CPS, deductions are made from salaries throughout an officer’s career, with the promise of consistent, secure payouts during retirement.
Yet, many of these ex-officers report erratic payments and significantly lower returns than expected.
For some, their monthly pensions are not even enough to cover basic healthcare needs, especially as their age demands more medical attention.
“This is not retirement. It’s punishment,” said another protester who served for 35 years and now struggles to afford medication.
Calls for Legislative Intervention
The protesters’ primary demand is a complete exit from the CPS and a transition to the Defined Benefit Scheme, which was formerly used to provide more stable retirement payments to public servants.
They also want immediate payment of all outstanding pension arrears and a full audit of the pension fund administrators managing police contributions.
The demonstrators emphasized that they will not relent until the National Assembly hears their grievances and takes concrete action.
Security Presence but No Violence
While the protest remained peaceful, several security operatives stood nearby to maintain order.
No clashes or disruptions occurred during the demonstration, and the officers made it clear that their intent was not to incite chaos but to demand justice.
“Many of us are grandparents,” said one of the older officers. “We’re too tired to fight anyone we just want what we’ve earned.”
Silence from the Lawmakers For Now
As of Monday evening, the leadership of the National Assembly had not addressed the protesters directly.
However, sources within the legislative body hinted that discussions around reforming the pension scheme for uniformed personnel were gaining traction.
An aide to one lawmaker anonymously told NIGPOST that a motion to investigate the plight of police retirees may be presented later this week.
Public Outcry Grows Online
The story of the protest quickly spread across social media, sparking national conversations.
Hashtags such as #PolicePensionProtest, #DignityForRetirees, and #ReformCPSNow began trending by late afternoon.
Many Nigerians expressed outrage, noting that those who risked their lives for national security should not end up suffering in retirement.
On X (formerly Twitter), one user wrote:
“If we treat our protectors this way, who will protect us tomorrow?”
Experts Demand Urgent Reform
Pension reform advocates have also weighed in, calling for a tailored solution for uniformed services like the police.
Olumide Bamidele, a pension analyst, stated in an interview with NIGPOST:
“The needs and realities of police officers are different from those of civil servants. They retire earlier, face higher risks, and require a unique pension structure.
The CPS, as it stands, doesn’t account for these differences.”
He also emphasized the importance of financial education, noting that many officers don’t fully understand how their pension deductions are managed.
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A Protest of Purpose, Not Rage
Unlike some past demonstrations that turned chaotic or fizzled out, this retired police pension protest struck a deeper nerve.
It was not a loud, unruly display but rather a solemn and emotional appeal for humanity, respect, and justice.
Lawal captured this sentiment when he said:
“We didn’t come here to beg. We came to speak for those who can no longer speak. Some of our colleagues died waiting for pensions. We cannot let that continue.”
The Way Forward: Will the Government Listen?
For now, the officers remain hopeful that their voices echoed by a nation watching will reach the chambers of power.
But whether policymakers will act remains uncertain.
One thing, however, is unmistakable: this protest has reignited a national debate about how Nigeria treats those who have spent their lives in service.
Your Take
Do you believe the Contributory Pension Scheme serves Nigeria’s retired officers fairly?
Should the government return to the old pension system for uniformed services?
Share your thoughts in the comments or tag @NIGPOST to join the nationwide conversation.
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