by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Union of Retired Nigeria Police Officers, under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), has plans to stage what it described as the “father-of-all peaceful protests” at the National Assembly on Monday.
In a statement signed by Chairman of the Kaduna State Chapter of the Union, CSP Mannir Lawal Zaria (Rtd), the union lamented the unbearable conditions faced by its members.
CSP Mannir Lawal Zaria (Rtd) cited widespread poverty, lack of access to healthcare, inability to afford basic feeding, children being withdrawn from schools, and increasing deaths among retired officers.
According to the union, representatives from the Kaduna State Chapter, alongside delegates from 35 other states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), will converge at the National Assembly for the protest.
The resolution followed a virtual meeting held on Monday, September 22, 2025, during which the union revisited the long-standing demand for the exit of the Nigeria Police Force from the Contributory Pension Scheme.
CSP Lawal noted that, more than 15 years, the union had consistently petitioned the government, staged protests, and submitted memoranda to lawmakers to push for this exit, but in vain.
He recalled that the union’s agitation had led to three public hearings, during which lawmakers were presented with evidence comparing the meager pensions received by retired police officers under the CPS, but with the more robust benefits enjoyed by their counterparts in the military and the Department of State Services (DSS).
“Despite lawmakers being fully aware of these economic hardships, no meaningful improvements have been made,” CSP Lawal said.
He further explained that even though, the 9th National Assembly passed a bill to remove the Police from the CPS, the process stalled when the House of Representatives failed to harmonize the bill with the Senate.
“As a result, the 10th Assembly had to reopen deliberations. On July 21, 2025, during what the union called the ‘Mother-of-All Peaceful Protests,’ lawmakers assured retirees that the exit bill was ready for adoption.”
He, however, alleged that the Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) later held meetings with the Inspector-General of Police to strategize on retaining the Police under the CPS.
PENCOM reportedly offered incentives, including increased gratuity of up to 200 percent, 75 percent monthly pensions, disbursement of ₦758 billion, and improved National Health Insurance coverage.
The union, however, rejected the proposals, insisting on a complete exit, from the CPS to the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS).
According to CSP Lawal, PENCOM’s subsequent attempt to woo retirees with zonal meetings, where participants were provided allowances and accommodation, was also strongly resisted.
In a letter, dated August 18, 2025, the union formally rejected the move and copied the IGP, Senate President, Chief of Staff to the President, and the Clerk of the National Assembly.
“Despite these efforts, retirees across all six geopolitical zones unanimously rejected PENCOM’s offers and reaffirmed their demand for total exit from the CPS and the establishment of a Police Pension Board,” CSP Lawal said.
He reaffirmed that the planned protest at the National Assembly would go ahead as scheduled and urged members nationwide to participate fully.