Retired Police Officers Protest Nationwide, Demand Exit from Contributory Pension Scheme

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Retired police officers across Nigeria have launched coordinated protests to demand their exit from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), which they describe as unjust and dehumanizing. From Abuja to Edo and Kwara, the demonstrations reflect growing frustration over poor pension condition

Retired police officers across Nigeria took to the streets in coordinated protests, demanding to be removed from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), which they described as exploitative, unjust, and dehumanizing. The demonstrations, which erupted simultaneously in Abuja and states such as Kwara, Plateau, Edo, and Cross River, signaled a unified outcry over what the retirees say are poor post-service living conditions and broken promises by the Nigerian government.

In Abuja, dozens of protesters, many dressed in black, gathered in front of the National Assembly complex holding placards with bold inscriptions like “CPS is punishment, not pension,” and “We served Nigeria, stop treating us like beggars.” Similar scenes were reported in Ilorin, Jos, Benin City, and Calabar, where retired officers peacefully marched to state government houses and police headquarters to present their grievances.

At the heart of their demand is the call to be moved to the Defined Benefits Scheme (DBS), which many of their colleagues in the military currently enjoy. Under the CPS, managed by Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), the retirees argue they are receiving paltry monthly stipends that barely sustain them. Some said they have waited years without receiving any pension at all, while others claimed the PFAs lack transparency and delay payments excessively.

Spokespersons from the various protest groups accused the government of “abandoning those who gave their youth to the service of Nigeria.” They highlighted cases of retired officers dying in penury, unable to afford healthcare or basic needs. The protesters insist that while they were promised dignity in retirement, the current system strips them of that right.

In response to the protests, the Nigeria Police Force acknowledged the situation and urged calm, stating that the grievances had been formally communicated to the relevant authorities. Meanwhile, the National Assembly has been urged to expedite legislative action on the Police Pension Bill, which would allow police retirees to exit the CPS and be placed under a more favourable pension structure.

This isn’t the first time police retirees have taken to the streets, but the scale and coordination of these recent protests mark a significant escalation in their struggle. With rising costs of living and public distrust in pension reforms, the calls for justice are growing louder.

As pressure mounts, all eyes are now on the Federal Government and lawmakers to respond decisively to a crisis threatening the welfare of those who once upheld law and order in Nigeria.

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