Retired police officers across Nigeria took to the streets on Monday, July 21, 2025, with a firm demand of removing them from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).
At the National Assembly in Abuja, elderly retirees stood their ground under heavy rain, chanting and holding placards that reflected their frustration after years of what they described as financial suffering under the current pension system.
“We’re not here for politics. We’re here because the CPS has left us poor and abandoned,” said 67-year-old retired Chief Superintendent of Police, Manir Lawal. “We’ve served this country, and we deserve to retire with dignity.”
They demanded to be removed from the pension scheme, insisting it has brought them more hardship than support. Many say the CPS doesn’t reflect the risks and sacrifices of police work, leaving them with far less than they need to survive post-retirement.
Despite past promises and government assurances, the protesters say they are done waiting. They’ve mobilised across the country and are ready to keep pushing until their voices are heard.
In response, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, directed police commands nationwide to provide protection and ensure the protest remained peaceful. He acknowledged their concerns, describing the welfare issue as long-standing and legitimate, though complicated by legal and financial hurdles.
Joining the call for reform, human rights activist Omoyele Sowore led a separate demonstration to the Force Headquarters, also demanding better pension conditions for police officers, both serving and retired.
While the retirees continue to insist their protest has no political motive, they made it clear that they will no longer stay silent over a pension system they believe robs them of the dignity they earned in service.
