Nigerian Police Force

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has reiterated its commitment to the welfare of its retired personnel, while cautioning against the politicisation of the planned protest by retired officers over pension concerns.

In a statement issued on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force acknowledged the legitimacy of the retirees’ agitation for improved pension conditions and a withdrawal from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

According to the statement, the demand is not a new one, but a long-standing issue that has persisted for over a decade. It explained that successive Inspectors-General since 2014 have made efforts to address the matter through institutional backing and engagement with stakeholders. However, these efforts have been limited by statutory, fiscal, and administrative barriers.

“The hard truth is that exiting the Police from the CPS lies beyond the remit of any Inspector-General,” the statement read. “The matter is deeply woven into a web of statutory mandates, inter-agency protocols, and policy inertia.”

The Force expressed disappointment over attempts by certain individuals and groups to exploit the protest for political advantage. It accused them of spreading misinformation and manipulating the grievances of retirees in a bid to discredit the government and the police institution.

“It is disheartening to observe how certain actors have chosen to politicise a sensitive welfare issue, weaponising the legitimate grievances of our retired colleagues for ulterior motives,” the statement added.

Despite these concerns, the Police affirmed its support for peaceful protest and outlined a two-pronged strategy: continued advocacy for pension reform and the development of alternative solutions to address immediate welfare needs. This includes exploring internally generated revenue and private-sector partnerships to supplement pension benefits.

With the protest slated for Monday, July 21, in the Federal Capital Territory and other locations where formal notifications have been submitted, the IGP has directed all Commissioners of Police to ensure peaceful conduct and provide security coverage.

The statement further stressed that protesting retirees must be treated with dignity and respect, while measures would be taken to prevent the demonstration from being hijacked by political actors or non-retired individuals.

“The protest must not only be peaceful; it must be exemplary,” the statement said, urging serving officers to maintain professionalism and discipline throughout the period.

The IGP also cautioned officers against falling for misinformation, noting that discipline and ethical conduct remain hallmarks of the Nigeria Police Force