Our Pensions Are Miserable” – IGP Egbetokun Petitions Senate, Demands Police Exit from Contributory Pension Scheme
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has formally petitioned the Nigerian Senate, demanding the immediate removal of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) from the existing Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). This strategic move follows a wave of nationwide protests by retired police personnel, who have voiced long-standing discontent over the poor remuneration structure associated with the CPS. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
In a letter dated July 25, 2025, and officially received by the Office of the Senate President on July 29, the IGP made a compelling appeal to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, urging swift legislative action to amend the extant pension laws governing the NPF. The letter has since surfaced on social media after being leaked by human rights activist and politician Omoyele Sowore, who characterized the IGP’s appeal as performative and lacking genuine commitment.
A Systemic Crisis in Police Retirement Benefits
The IGP’s letter articulates the institutional hardship imposed on police retirees by the current CPS structure. In a strongly worded plea, Egbetokun described the situation as “deeply troubling and demoralizing,” emphasizing that the retirement benefits accruing to ex-police officers are “abysmally low and inadequate to meet even their most basic needs.”
Quoting directly from the letter:
“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. Their monthly pension under the CPS is grossly inadequate.”
The letter continued:
“The debilitating impact of the CPS on police morale and institutional cohesion cannot be overstated. We must act swiftly to restore dignity to our retired officers.”
Retirees Stage Mass Protest at National Assembly
The IGP’s letter comes against the backdrop of organized demonstrations led by retired police officers across Abuja, including protests staged at the Force Headquarters and National Assembly Complex. Chanting slogans and carrying placards, the retirees called for urgent intervention by the Federal Government, citing the Contributory Pension Act 2014 as a framework that has failed to address their welfare post-service.
One retired officer stated:
“After 35 years of risking our lives for this country, we are rewarded with peanuts. Some of our colleagues can’t even afford basic healthcare.”
Mixed Reactions: Is the Letter Enough?
While some see the IGP’s intervention as timely and necessary, others, including Omoyele Sowore, have criticized the move as a deliberate distraction to temper rising tensions among active and retired officers.
“It is a calculated attempt to calm the anger—not a genuine reform move,” Sowore posted via his verified handle, urging retirees to demand legislative action, not bureaucratic appeasement.
Despite the skepticism, IGP Egbetokun assured protesters that the Force Management is in active discussions with National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and other key stakeholders to resolve the pension crisis holistically.
“There are administrative efforts already in progress,” the IGP noted, “but these will not be disclosed prematurely to avoid jeopardizing their effectiveness.”
Awaiting Official Response
As of press time, the Nigeria Police Force has not issued a formal statement regarding the leaked petition. Inquiries made to Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, remain unanswered.
This development adds further pressure on the National Assembly to revisit the legislative framework of Nigeria’s pension system, especially as it pertains to high-risk uniformed services like the police.
