By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Union of Retired Nigeria Police Officers under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) is set to embark on what it described as “father of all peaceful protests” at the National Assembly (NASS) on Monday.
In a statement signed by Chairman of Kaduna State chapter of the union, retired Chief Superintendent (CSP) Mannir Lawal Zaria, the union lamented the unbearable conditions faced by its members.
CSP Zaria cited widespread poverty, lack of access to healthcare, inability to afford basic feeding, children being withdrawn from schools, and increasing deaths among retired officers.
According to the union, representatives from the chapter, alongside delegates from 35 other states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT), will converge on the National Assembly for the protest.
The resolution followed a virtual meeting held on September 22, 2025.
The meeting revisited the long-standing demand for exit of the NPF from the CPS.
CSP Zaria noted that, for over 15 years, the union had consistently petitioned government, staged protests, and submitted memoranda to lawmakers to push for the exit in vain.
He recalled that the union’s agitation had led to three public hearings, during which lawmakers were presented with evidence comparing the meagre pensions received by retired police officers under the CPS with the more robust benefits enjoyed by their counterparts in the military and the Department of State Services (DSS).
“Despite lawmakers being fully aware of these economic hardships, no meaningful improvements have been made,” CSP Zaria said.
He further explained that even though the 9th National Assembly passed a bill to remove the Police from the CPS, the process got stalled when the House of Representatives failed to harmonize the bill with the Senate.
“As a result, the 10th Assembly had to reopen deliberations. On July 21, 2025, during what the union called the ‘Mother of All Peaceful Protests’, lawmakers assured retirees that the exit bill was ready for adoption,” he recalled.
The Chairman, however, alleged that the Director-General of National Pension Commission (PenCOM) later held meetings with the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun to strategize on retaining the Police under the CPS.
According to him, PenCOM reportedly offered incentives, including increased gratuity of up to 200 percent, 75 percent monthly pensions, disbursement of ₦758 billion, and improved National Health Insurance coverage.
He said the union rejected the proposals, insisting on a complete exit from the CPS to the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS).
According to CSP Zaria, PenCOM’s subsequent attempt to woo retirees with zonal meetings, where participants were provided allowances and accommodation, was also strongly rebuffed.
In a letter dated August 18, 2025, the union formally rejected the move and copied the IGP, Senate President, Chief of Staff to the President, and the Clerk of the National Assembly.
“Despite these efforts, retirees across all six geopolitical zones unanimously rejected PenCOM’s offers and reaffirmed their demand for total exit from the CPS and the establishment of a Police Pension Board,” he said.
Zaria reaffirmed that the planned protest at the National Assembly would go ahead as scheduled and urged members nationwide to participate fully.
*PHOTO CAPTION: IGP Egbetokun (right) at a media event.
