Retired police officers in Nigeria have expressed frustration over what they describe as inadequate pension payments and poor retirement welfare, with some reportedly receiving just over ₦30,000 monthly despite years of service to the nation.
The retirees are calling on the Federal Government to remove the Nigeria Police Force from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) and establish a dedicated police pension board to address their concerns and ensure a more dignified retirement.
Their renewed agitation has raised concerns about the welfare of serving officers, the attractiveness of policing to young Nigerians, and the possible implications for national security.
The Police Retired Officers Forum of Nigeria has appealed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio to disclose the status of the Police Pension Exit Bill, which the forum says was passed by the National Assembly on December 4, 2025, and transmitted to President Bola Tinubu on March 16, 2026.
In a letter signed by its National Coordinator, retired Chief Superintendent of Police Raphael Irowainu, the forum urged the National Assembly to consider overriding any presidential veto and facilitate the removal of police personnel from the existing pension scheme.
The forum also alleged that more than 20 retired officers died within six months because they could not afford medical treatment. The claim has not been independently verified.
According to the retirees, the current pension arrangement does not adequately reflect the risks, sacrifices and years of service associated with policing in Nigeria.
A retired Assistant Superintendent of Police from Owerri, Imo State, said his monthly pension was slightly above ₦30,000, which he described as insufficient to meet basic needs amid rising food prices, healthcare costs and other living expenses.
He also complained about accommodation difficulties after retirement, arguing that officers who spend decades serving the country should receive better post-service support.
The retiree maintained that police personnel contribute towards their retirement savings throughout their careers and should have access to benefits that provide greater financial security when they leave the force.
Other retirees have similarly argued that the Federal Government should establish a dedicated pension arrangement for police officers, comparable to arrangements available to other categories of security personnel.
The pension dispute has also sparked concerns about the impact of inadequate retirement benefits on recruitment and morale within the Nigeria Police Force.
Some retirees say their children are reluctant to join the police because of the difficult working conditions and uncertainty surrounding retirement welfare.
They argue that young Nigerians may be discouraged from pursuing careers in policing if they believe that years of service could end in financial hardship.
The concerns come at a time when Nigeria continues to face significant security challenges and requires motivated personnel to protect lives and property.
However, claims that some serving officers have threatened to engage in criminal activities because of concerns about their retirement prospects remain unverified.
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Amid the growing agitation, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has reportedly proposed a 200 per cent gratuity for retired police officers as part of efforts to improve retirement benefits.
The proposal is being considered by a presidential committee established to examine the pension concerns of police personnel and recommend sustainable solutions.
The committee includes representatives from the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, the Budget Office of the Federation and the National Pension Commission (PenCom).
The proposed reforms are expected to explore ways of improving retirement benefits, addressing outstanding pension liabilities and strengthening pension administration.
However, the proposal does not yet amount to an approved policy, as its implementation depends on decisions by the relevant authorities.
The National Pension Commission has maintained that the concerns of police officers should be addressed through improvements to retirement benefits, while acknowledging the need to strengthen their welfare.
PenCom Director-General Omolola Oloworaran said in July 2026 that the commission was engaging relevant government institutions to explore options for improving police pensions.
The commission’s position is that better benefits could address many of the retirees’ complaints without necessarily withdrawing the police from the Contributory Pension Scheme.
Under the CPS, employees and employers make contributions into Retirement Savings Accounts managed by licensed Pension Fund Administrators. The accumulated contributions and investment returns determine the retirement benefits available to each contributor.
Existing guidelines also allow eligible retirees to withdraw up to 50 per cent of their Retirement Savings Account balance as a lump sum, subject to specified conditions. The amount available to an individual depends on factors including their account balance and whether the remaining funds can support the required minimum retirement income.
Consequently, the demand by some police retirees for their entire pension contributions to be paid in a lump sum would require consideration under existing regulations or a new arrangement approved by the government.
The Federal Ministry of Police Affairs has also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the concerns surrounding police retirement benefits.
Nevertheless, any decision to move police personnel from the CPS to a Defined Benefit Scheme or another pension arrangement would require careful consideration of legal, financial and policy implications.
For the aggrieved retirees, the issue goes beyond pension calculations. They argue that officers who risk their lives to protect Nigerians deserve financial security and access to adequate healthcare after retirement.
As discussions continue over the proposed gratuity increase and possible pension reforms, retired officers are awaiting concrete measures that will improve their living conditions.
The outcome of the government’s deliberations could also influence the morale of serving personnel and the willingness of young Nigerians to join the police.
Ultimately, the Federal Government faces the challenge of developing a sustainable pension framework that protects retirement savings, addresses legitimate welfare concerns and ensures that those who serve the country can retire with dignity.
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