Retired police officers across Nigeria have refused to cancel their planned nationwide protest scheduled for Monday, July 21, 2025.
Despite appeals from the Police Service Commission (PSC), the aggrieved officers insist they will take to the streets until their demand to be removed from the Contributory Pension Scheme is met.
The decision was made in response to the PSC’s request asking them to halt the action and return to negotiations.
However, the retirees say they have lost faith in the system due to years of broken promises and financial hardship.
According to Mannir Lawal, Chairman of the Police Officers Retirees on Contributory Pension Scheme in Kaduna State, the protest will go ahead as planned.
“We’re not rescinding our decisions because our leaders exempt themselves and leave us there, and they are comfortable they leave us inside. We don’t understand why,” he said.
Lawal, who is a retired Chief Superintendent of Police, further explained the frustration of many affected officers.
“Those who retired on the ranks of AIG, DIG and IG are not in the system. From the rank of CP to Constable, we’re under the Contributory Pension Scheme which is not favorable to us. Many of us are dying,” he stated.
Their disappointment stems from repeated government assurances that have failed to translate into action.
This has left many living in poverty after years of dedicated service.
Furthermore, Lawal disclosed that retirees from across the country have been mobilized and are en route to Abuja.
“People from Lagos are on the way. Those from Bauchi, Gombe, Nasarawa and Kwara have come, while others are also on the way. We’re not ready for any promise again,” he confirmed.
In addition, he emphasized the gravity of their demand.
“Our situation has deteriorated beyond reasonable doubt. We cannot accept any promise. I repeat, any promise is not acceptable unless we begin to see substantial alerts into our different accounts. No promise!”
Meanwhile, the protesters have expressed deep concern that their exclusion from the regular pension scheme has created hardship.
Most of them claim that their monthly entitlements under the current system are barely enough to survive on.
There is growing support for their cause, especially from advocacy groups pushing for improved welfare for security personnel.
Many Nigerians agree that the government failed at promises again, especially to its own protectors.
Therefore, Monday’s protest is expected to draw attention to what the retirees describe as institutional injustice.
While the PSC has called for calm, the resolve of the protesting officers appears firm.
The government must act swiftly to avoid further embarrassment and ensure fairness for those who dedicated their lives to national service.
