*Says Police Monthly Pension is Abysmally Low, Grossly Inadequate
Aleke Aleke in Abuja
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has finally bowed to the pressure and demand of the retired police officers to exit the Nigerian Police Force from the Contributory Pension Scheme.
The retirees last week trooped to the streets of major cities across the federation including FCT to demand improved post-service welfare and removal from the federal government’s Contributory Pension Scheme.
Though the Inspector General of Police believes the bill to exit the NPF from the Contributory Pension Scheme might be a booby trap into the unknown or something even worse, Egbetokun agreed with the demands of the retirees, stating that their post-service condition is heartbreaking and morally unacceptable.
Speaking at the IGP’s Strategic Conference With Senior Officers in Abuja yesterday, Egbetokun said, “One area I remain deeply committed to is the welfare of our retired officers under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). Their post-service condition is heartbreaking, and morally unacceptable. Today, most retired officers of the Nigeria Police Force live in conditions that are not only unacceptable but humiliating, given the sacrifices they made in service to the nation. Their monthly pension under the CPS is abysmally low and grossly inadequate to meet even the most basic needs. Many can no longer afford healthcare, housing, or a life of dignity. This has turned retirement into a period of hardship and regret, eroding the confidence of serving officers, who now see their own future with fear rather than hope.
“The consequences of this reality are far-reaching. Among serving officers, there exists a growing and deeply rooted anxiety, born from the belief, rightly or wrongly, that retirement is a descent into hardship. This fear has become so pervasive that it is having a noticeable demoralising effect on morale across the ranks. Attempts made to educate them on the operation of the Contributory Pension Scheme have been taken as attempts to keep them in perpetual bondage of the CPS. Retirement, which should be a time of deserved rest and honour, has become a looming nightmare for many. “In response to this growing crisis, the leadership of the Force has, in good faith, initiated steps to explore alternative sources of funding aimed at augmenting the pension earnings of our retired officers.
“Regrettably, these efforts have been misconstrued as an attempt to obstruct or derail the movement towards exiting the Scheme. Let me state unequivocally that the position of the Force remains consistent with the desires of our personnel, both serving and retired. This position was clearly articulated in our presentation to the National Assembly during the public hearing on the bill to exit the police from the Contributory Pension Scheme.”
This stance, he said, was further reinforced in his recent letter to the National Assembly, adding that the path they have chosen is not the easiest—but it is the surest path to justice, dignity, and long-overdue reform.
He stated that while the agitation for their exit from the Contributory Pension Scheme is just and deeply rooted in lived realities, it is imperative that their actions are guided by prudence, strategy, and foresight.
Egbetokun said, “The leadership of the Nigeria Police Force, under my watch, is fully seized of the matter and is engaging the highest levels of the Federal Government and the National Assembly. These engagements have not been in vain. We are witnessing a growing recognition of the plight of our retired officers, and already, critical conversations are yielding actionable commitments. I encourage you to engage both serving and retired officers in your jurisdiction to sensitise them on the ongoing effort of the force leadership in advocating for their welfare. Let them know that we are with them and the Government is not neglecting them. Their welfare remains a paramount concern of this administration. Let me state clearly: this is not a moment for impulsive action—it is a moment for strategic patience. The complexities of pension reform demand careful negotiation, and we are making tangible progress toward a resolution that is both dignified and sustainable. We must also be vigilant against external influences. There are those who may seek to hijack our legitimate concerns for political theatre or personal gain. We will not allow the pain of our heroes past to become pawns in another man’s agenda. To our retired officers, I make this solemn appeal: hold the line. Your voices have been heard. Your sacrifices are acknowledged. And your welfare remains at the forefront of our institutional agenda. Let us give room for the ongoing efforts to materialise into a lasting solution.”
