Retired police officers to embark on nationwide protest over pension grievances

Retired members of the Nigeria Police Force under the Contributory Pension Scheme have announced plans to hold a coordinated protest across the country on July 21, 2025, in response to ongoing pension-related issues.

The Kaduna State chapter of the Union of Retired Police Officers disclosed this following its monthly meeting at the Police Officers’ Mess in Kaduna.

According to the chapter’s Chairman, Mannir M. Zaria, and Vice Chairman, Danlami Maigamo, the demonstration has been named the “Mother of All Peaceful Protests.”

The retirees say their decision stems from prolonged dissatisfaction with the Contributory Pension Scheme, which they argue has inflicted financial distress and contributed to growing psychological challenges among former officers.

“We have no option but to embark on another peaceful protest tagged ‘Mother of All Peaceful Protests’ on July 21, 2025,” the union declared.

Organisers say the protest will be peaceful and simultaneously held in all 36 states.

“As law-abiding citizens, we shall continue to pursue our demand for the Nigeria Police to be excluded from the Contributory Pension Scheme through peaceful means until our voices are heard,” the statement added.

The union referenced an earlier demonstration it coordinated between February 24 and March 3, 2025, at the National Assembly, which involved retired officers from Kaduna and Bauchi States. During that protest, formal petitions were submitted to five institutions, including the relevant committees in both chambers of the National Assembly and the Department of State Services.

Despite these efforts, the retirees say they have received no feedback from legislators, particularly on the public hearing held on November 19, 2024, regarding the Police Pension Board Bill.

They further distanced themselves from any faction considering violent means of protest, insisting their movement is solely focused on addressing legitimate welfare concerns.

“The silence from the authorities is deafening, but we remain committed to lawful engagement,” the group stated.