Retired police officers under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) have rejected the recent healthcare incentives announced by the Federal Government, insisting on a complete removal from the scheme as the only acceptable solution to their demands.
This development comes just after President Bola Tinubu ordered the immediate rollout of free healthcare services for low-income retirees under the CPS and directed the implementation of long-overdue pension increases.
Despite acknowledging the president’s intervention, the retirees maintained that their core grievance remains unresolved.
Buba Danjuma, spokesperson for the protesting officers, stated that while they appreciate the President’s gesture, their stance remains unchanged—they want to be removed from the CPS.
The group has held demonstrations in recent months, the latest being on July 21, 2025, when they blocked the entrance to the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
The protest was aimed at pressuring the federal government to exempt retired police officers from the CPS, which they argue has left many of them in financial hardship and without adequate benefits.
The officers claim that the scheme has failed to provide them with sufficient post-service support, and they continue to push for a return to the defined benefits pension system.
“We are very happy that our cries have reached the President, and we appreciate his directives,” Danjuma said.
“However, what we want is our outright exit from the scheme. If we remain under CPS, we will still remain caged.”
Danjuma acknowledged the President’s intervention but insisted that their core demand remained a complete withdrawal from the scheme.
He pointed to other security agencies, such as the Department of State Services and the military, which have already exited the scheme. He questioned why police retirees should be treated differently.
“The DSS and military have all left and didn’t bother to remain under the CPS because of its many disadvantages. Why should we remain?” Danjuma added.
“We appreciate the President, but we want him to do everything possible to get us out of the scheme. We don’t want to remain there anymore.”
On July 21, 2025, SaharaReporters reported that a group of retired police officers had taken to the streets to protest against the poor treatment they received from the Nigeria Police Force, particularly concerning their retirement benefits.
The protesters, speaking to SaharaReporters in Abuja, lamented that they were receiving only 25% of the deductions made from their salaries during their 35 years of service.
The protesters expressed frustration with the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, whom they accused of convincing the National Assembly to ignore their plight.
A retired officer, DSP Lawrence Adekwu, condemned the police authorities for treating the rank and file like slaves.
Adekwu cited the example of a retired Deputy Superintendent of Police who collected N2.1million in gratuity after 35 years of service, while a retired driver in the judiciary collected N8 million.
The retired officers demanded better treatment and a review of their retirement benefits, calling on the authorities to address their grievances.