Police pensioners threaten fresh protests after talks stall on CPS exit

‎Retired police officers under Nigeria’s Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) have announced plans to resume protests at the National Assembly on October 14, following unsuccessful negotiations to exit the scheme and establish a dedicated Police Pension Board.
‎
‎For over 15 years, police retirees have campaigned to leave the CPS, under which they feel exploited and unfairly treated compared to military and intelligence retirees who have exited the scheme. Their demands center on the creation of a Police Pension Board similar to those for the Army, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigerian Intelligence Agency (NIA).
‎
‎The Inspector General of Police (IGP) acknowledged the  conditions faced by retired officers and said the police leadership had presented proposals to the National Assembly aimed at enhancing police pensions. President Bola Tinubu also directed the immediate implementation of long-overdue pension increases and ordered free healthcare access for low-income retirees under CPS.
‎
‎Despite these interventions, retirees remain dissatisfied. CSP Mannir Lawal (retd.), leader of the aggrieved officers, said the government’s efforts fall short of their core objective, which is full exit from CPS.
‎
‎Lawal revealed discussions with the National Pension Commission (PenCom) leadership, which have yet to settle the retirees’ concerns.
‎
‎A PenCom official, speaking anonymously, appealed for patience, noting the complexity of pension reforms and promising further dialogue with stakeholders to find workable solutions.
‎
‎