Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has assured retired police officers that their welfare remains a top priority, as nationwide protests over poor pension benefits intensify.
On 21 July 2025, the IGP met with protesting retirees at Force Headquarters, Abuja, after demonstrations erupted in Abuja, Kwara, and Edo States. The retirees are demanding Nigeria Police Force’s exit from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), citing inadequate payments and worsening post-retirement living conditions.
Egbetokun expressed empathy, stating that active officers also share similar retirement concerns. “Your frustration is valid. We’ve engaged relevant authorities, including the National Security Adviser, to address these challenges,” he said.
He clarified that while not opposed to exiting the CPS, the decision cannot be made unilaterally due to complex legal and financial considerations. Previous attempts to exit the scheme, ongoing since 2014, have not succeeded.
As an alternative, he proposed internal reforms to the CPS such as increasing employer contributions from 10% to 20% and revising police salary structures to improve future pension payouts.
Egbetokun urged retirees to remain calm and avoid manipulation by external actors. He assured them of police protection during peaceful demonstrations to prevent disruption by miscreants.
The IGP met again with retirees at the Peacekeeping Hall in Abuja, reiterating the police leadership’s commitment to long-term solutions for pension reform.
