A group of retired police officers under the contributory pension scheme has vowed to stage a mass protest in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, over the Senate’s refusal to harmonize their exit from the scheme. The officers, who have been protesting at the National Assembly gate since October 14, 2025, claim they are being unfairly treated compared to their military counterparts.
The Protest
The retired officers have threatened to take over vulnerable points in Abuja starting from Wednesday, November 19, 2025, if their demands are not met. They are seeking exemption from the contributory pension scheme and the establishment of a police pension board to oversee their retirement benefits.
Grievances
The officers argue that they were forced to contribute to their retirement benefits while serving, unlike their military counterparts who receive better retirement packages. A Deputy Superintendent of Police who retires after 35 years of service receives a paltry N1.5 million as gratuity and N34,000 as monthly pension, whereas an equivalent rank in the military receives N25 million as gratuity and N300,000 as monthly pension.
Call to Action
The officers are calling on President Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and direct the Senate to pass the bill to exit the contributory pension scheme. They also demand the establishment of a police pension board to manage their retirement benefits and the payment of all entitlements without further delay.
Injustice and Disparity
The situation highlights the plight of retired police officers who risked their lives to protect citizens and were abandoned without adequate care. The officers hope that their protest will bring attention to their grievances and prompt the government to take action.
Key Demands
– Exempt police officers from the contributory pension scheme
– Establish a police pension board to manage retirement benefits
– Pay all entitlements without further delay
– Equal treatment for police officers compared to military personnel
The officers are determined to have their voices heard and their rights recognized. Will the government respond to their pleas? Only time will tell.