Retired police officers, accompanied by their wives and children, marched to the National Assembly in Abuja on Wednesday, October 14, demanding that President Bola Tinubu sign the bill seeking to remove police personnel from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).
The protesters chanted, “President Tinubu, sign our bill,” in a video circulating on social media, calling for an end to the pension arrangement they say has left many former officers struggling to meet basic needs. Some children carried placards in support of their parents’ demands.
Protesters Demand Exit from Contributory Pension Scheme
The protest is part of a prolonged campaign by the Police Retired Officers Forum of Nigeria (PROF) for the complete withdrawal of the Nigeria Police Force from the contributory scheme and the establishment of a dedicated Police Pension Board. Retirees have complained about inadequate pension payments, rising living costs, and difficulties paying for food and healthcare after years of service.
The National Assembly passed the proposed Nigeria Police Force Pension Board Bill on December 4, 2025, before transmitting it to the Presidency on March 16, 2026, for presidential assent. If signed into law, the legislation would exempt police personnel from the Contributory Pension Scheme and establish a separate pension board to manage their retirement benefits.
Government Acknowledges Concerns but Retirees Press for Action
The retirees argue that police personnel should receive pension arrangements comparable to those of certain other security and intelligence agencies that operate outside the contributory scheme. Their latest demonstration came a day after retired military personnel protested at the Military Pensions Board office in Dutse Alhaji, Abuja, over the formula used to adjust their pensions.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has acknowledged the concerns raised by retired police officers. On October 5, the Ministry of Police Affairs said it had engaged the Police Retired Officers Forum over their demands, with the minister reaffirming the government's commitment to addressing the welfare and pension concerns of serving and retired police personnel.
However, the retirees continue to press for presidential assent to the bill, insisting that a dedicated pension arrangement is necessary to address their concerns.
