Former Nigeria Police officers pause planned demonstration in Abuja, warn of mass action if pension demands are not addressed within set timeframe
Retired officers of the Nigeria Police Force have suspended their planned protest at Aso Villa while issuing a firm deadline to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address their long-standing pension grievances.
The retirees, who had mobilised for a demonstration in , said the decision to temporarily halt the protest followed appeals and ongoing engagements with relevant authorities. However, they stressed that the suspension is not a cancellation, warning that failure to meet their demands would trigger a nationwide protest.
At the centre of their agitation is the demand for the removal of police personnel from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), which they described as inadequate and unfair. The retirees are also calling for the establishment of a dedicated police pension structure, similar to what is obtainable in the military.
According to the group, many retired officers continue to face severe financial hardship due to delayed payments, low monthly pensions, and lack of proper welfare support after years of service to the nation. They urged the Federal Government to urgently sign the Police Pension Reform Bill into law to address the situation.
The retirees warned that if the Federal Government fails to act within the given deadline, they will resume protests, potentially on a larger scale, with Abuja expected to be the focal point of the demonstrations.
The development adds to ongoing concerns over pension administration in Nigeria, particularly within the police force, where calls for reform have intensified in recent years. Observers note that the Federal Government’s response in the coming days will be critical in determining whether tensions escalate or are resolved through policy action.
Read also New FCT Commissioner of Police Ahmed Sanusi Assumes Duty
