Retired Police officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have renewed their call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to approve a proposed bill seeking the removal of police personnel from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), describing the current pension arrangement as unfair and inadequate for officers who dedicated their lives to serving the nation.
The comment was made on Tuesday during a press conference organized by the Retired Police Officers Forum of Nigeria (PROF) in Akure, the capital of Ondo State.
Speaking on behalf of the retired police officers, the forum expressed deep concern over the welfare of former police personnel under the CPS, arguing that many retirees are facing severe financial hardship despite spending decades in active service protecting lives and property across the country.
According to the forum, the contributory pension system has failed to provide retired officers with sufficient retirement benefits, leaving many unable to meet basic living expenses. The retirees noted that their monthly pension payments are often inadequate, especially considering the rising cost of living and economic challenges currently affecting Nigerians.
The retired Police officers appealed directly to President Tinubu to give presidential assent to the bill currently before the National Assembly, which seeks to exempt police officers from the CPS and return them to a more favorable pension arrangement similar to those enjoyed by some other security agencies.
Members of the forum argued that policing is a unique and high-risk profession that requires special consideration in retirement. They maintained that officers often spend their most productive years in dangerous assignments, making it necessary for the government to provide a pension structure that adequately rewards their sacrifices after retirement.
The group also commended lawmakers who have supported the proposed legislation, urging both the executive and legislative arms of government to work together to ensure the bill becomes law without further delay.
“We dedicated our lives to protecting Nigerians, often at great personal risk. It is only fair that retired officers are given a pension system that guarantees dignity and financial security in old age,” one of the forum leaders stated during the briefing.
The retirees further called on serving police officers, civil society organizations, and stakeholders in the security sector to support the campaign for pension reform, stressing that the issue affects the morale and future welfare of police personnel across the country.
The demand for the removal of the Nigeria Police Force from the Contributory Pension Scheme has been a long-standing issue, with both serving and retired officers repeatedly expressing dissatisfaction with the system. Advocates of the proposed bill believe its passage and presidential approval would significantly improve the welfare of police retirees and address years of grievances within the force.
As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency has not officially responded to the latest appeal by the retired police officers.
