Retired police officers decry N1.5m benefits after 35 years by Adenle Ahmed Abiola

Retired Nigerian police officers have raised deep concern over what they described as humiliating retirement benefits, noting that some receive about N1.5 million after 35 years of service.

They also called for their exit from the Contributory Pension Scheme administered by the National Pension Commission (PENCOM).

The retirees staged a protest at the Oyo State Police Headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, to voice dissatisfaction over pension payments, which they said are insufficient to meet their needs after years of service.

Speaking during the protest, a retired Superintendent of Police, Joseph Alabi, said many former officers face financial challenges due to their monthly pensions.

“For over two years now, we have been on this issue. Retired Nigerian police officers are facing difficulties,” he said.

“As a retired SP, I receive about N70,000 monthly, which is challenging for basic upkeep and family responsibilities.”

Alabi also questioned the continued inclusion of police personnel in the contributory pension scheme, noting that other security agencies operate under different arrangements.

“Air Force, Navy, military and other agencies have been removed from this scheme, but the police are still there,” he said.

He added that the retirees are urging the President to assent to a bill passed by the National Assembly that would allow the police to exit the scheme and establish a separate pension structure.

“All we are asking is for the President to assent to the bill so that we can have a system that caters to both retired and serving officers,” he said.

Another protester, a retired Deputy Superintendent of Police, Omotayo Salaudeen, who served for 35 years, said his retirement benefits were inadequate.

“How can someone serve for 35 years and receive about N1.5m or N2m? It is difficult to manage under such conditions,” he said, appealing for public support.

He added that many retirees are struggling to meet basic needs.

Also speaking, a retired electrical engineer, Babatunde Oluwatoye, who joined the protest in solidarity, described the situation as concerning and called for government intervention.

“I was surprised to learn about the situation. After 35 years of service, receiving less than N2m raises concerns about post-retirement welfare,” he said.

Oluwatoye also linked the welfare of police personnel to national security, noting that conditions of service can influence morale.

“When officers are adequately supported, it can positively impact their performance. Concerns about retirement conditions may affect motivation among serving personnel,” he added.

The protesters said they would continue to press their demands through lawful means.

The protest in Ibadan follows similar demonstrations in other parts of the country, including Abuja, as retired police officers call for reforms to the pension system.