Retired police officers marched to the National Assembly on Wednesday morning. Their wives and children joined them. They demanded an immediate exit from the Contributory Pension Scheme. The protesters carried placards. They chanted slogans. They blocked the entrance to the complex. Security operatives were deployed. The protest was peaceful. No arrests were reported.
Nigeria’s police pension system has faced crises for years. The old defined benefit scheme paid retirees monthly. It was managed by the police pension board. In 2004, the Contributory Pension Scheme was introduced for federal employees. Police personnel were initially exempted. They were later brought in. Retirees complained about delays. Payments were irregular. Computation was disputed. In 2021, police retirees protested in Abuja over unpaid entitlements. In 2023, similar protests occurred in Lagos. The grievances remain unresolved.
The protesters said the Contributory Pension Scheme shortchanges them. They said their monthly payments are inadequate. They said the scheme is designed for civil servants, not security personnel. They demanded a return to the defined benefit scheme. They said the police risk their lives. They deserve better retirement benefits. They urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene. They called on the National Assembly to amend the pension law. They said they would continue protesting until their demands are met.
The protest comes as the government clears inherited pension liabilities. The Federal Government recently resolved arrears dating back to 2007 through a ₦758 billion intervention bond. That bond benefited 957,045 retirees. Police retirees say they were excluded. They say the scheme’s administrators have ignored their complaints. The National Assembly has not responded to the protest. The Pension Commission has not commented.
Winners: The protesters, who gained visibility. Pension administrators, who face scrutiny. The National Assembly, which faces pressure. Losers: The retired officers, whose pensions remain inadequate. Their families, who depend on the payments. The government, whose pension reforms face resistance. The Contributory Pension Scheme, whose credibility is questioned. Taxpayers, if the scheme requires another bailout.
Bottom Line: Retired police officers marched to the National Assembly. They want out of the Contributory Pension Scheme. They say it shortchanges them. The government cleared pension arrears for civil servants. Police retirees say they were excluded. The protest is a warning. Nigeria’s pension system is failing those who served. The government must respond.