The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has made a bold appeal to the Nigerian Senate, urging lawmakers to remove the Nigeria Police Force from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).
His request follows rising tension and recent protests by retired police officers across Abuja.
The protests, held at the Force Headquarters and the National Assembly, brought attention to what many described as inhumane pension conditions for police retirees.
Many of them claim their current monthly benefits are far too small to survive on, despite years of dedicated service.
A leaked copy of the IGP’s letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, dated July 25, surfaced on social media on July 29.
Political activist Omoyele Sowore shared the letter and described it as a “halfhearted” attempt to calm protesters.
“It is a calculated move to calm the rising anger of retired and serving police officers—nothing more than a distraction,” he said.
However, Egbetokun has stood his ground, insisting that the police leadership is serious about reforming the pension structure.
He addressed the retirees during their protest, saying, “There are things that we need to put in place to ensure that your suffering is alleviated.” He added
“I write to respectfully draw Your Excellency’s attention to an urgent and deeply troubling matter that has continued to undermine the welfare, morale, and institutional confidence of personnel of the Nigeria Police Force,” he said.
He further stated,“Today, most retired officers of the Nigeria Police Force live in conditions that are not only unacceptable but humiliating, given the sacrifices they made in service to the nation,”
He described the monthly pensions received by retired officers under the CPS as “abysmally low and grossly inadequate to meet even basic needs.”
As of now, the Nigeria Police Force has not officially addressed the leaked letter. Force spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi has remained silent on the matter, despite inquiries.
