Hundreds of retired police officers gathered at the National Assembly in Abuja on Monday, July 21, 2025, to protest against their continued inclusion in the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), which they describe as exploitative and insufficient. Despite heavy rainfall in the nation’s capital, the elderly protesters stood firm, chanting and holding placards demanding removal from the scheme.
Led by activists including former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore and human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, the group first marched to the National Assembly gate before proceeding to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters to press their demands further. The retirees argued that their meagre pensions fail to meet basic needs and called for the establishment of a dedicated police pension board to replace the CPS.
The chairman of the Police Officers Retirees on CPS, Kaduna State branch, Mannir Lawal, described the pension scheme as unjust and urged the government to take immediate action to exempt police retirees from the scheme. The protest was peaceful, with security personnel monitoring the events to ensure public order.
Years of dissatisfaction have culminated in these demonstrations, as retired officers seek better welfare, respect, and financial dignity after decades of service. The Police Service Commission had earlier advised retirees to shelve nationwide protests, stating that the matter was being addressed, but the retirees proceeded with their planned demonstration to demand urgent government intervention.
