Retired officers of the Nigeria Police Force staged a protest at the entrance of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, demanding their removal from the Contributory Pension Scheme.
The protest took place at the main gate of the Aso Rock Presidential Villa on Monday morning, drawing attention from passersby, security personnel, and government officials.
The aggrieved retirees blocked access routes to the Villa, chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards with inscriptions condemning the pension system they described as unjust.
Many of the protesters, dressed in mufti and some in partial uniform, expressed deep frustration over what they called years of neglect and poor welfare under the scheme.
They argued that the Contributory Pension Scheme has subjected retired police officers to hardship, alleging that the payments they receive are inadequate to meet basic living standards.
According to the protesters, the pension structure has failed to reflect their years of service, sacrifices, and contributions to national security.
Some of the retired officers insisted that they were not properly informed or adequately prepared before being enrolled into the scheme.
They called on the Federal Government to immediately remove police retirees from the Contributory Pension Scheme and return them to the old defined benefits system.
Several demonstrators claimed that delays in payments and inconsistencies in pension disbursement have worsened their living conditions.
Others shared personal accounts of financial struggles, including inability to afford healthcare, housing, and family responsibilities.
The protest caused temporary disruption around the Villa axis, with security operatives closely monitoring the situation to prevent escalation.
Officials were seen engaging with representatives of the retirees in an attempt to calm tensions and restore normalcy.
The issue of police pensions has remained a longstanding concern in Nigeria, with repeated calls for reform from both serving and retired personnel.
Critics of the Contributory Pension Scheme argue that it does not adequately cater to the peculiar nature of police service, which involves high risk and limited alternative income opportunities after retirement.
Supporters of the scheme, however, maintain that it was introduced to ensure transparency, sustainability, and accountability in pension management.
The protesting officers insisted that their demand is not new, noting that previous appeals and negotiations with authorities have not yielded meaningful results.
They urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene directly and address their grievances as a matter of urgency.
Civil society organizations have also weighed in on similar protests in the past, calling for a comprehensive review of the pension framework for security agencies.
Observers note that the protest highlights broader concerns about welfare and post-service support for law enforcement personnel in Nigeria.
As of the time of reporting, discussions between government representatives and the protesting retirees were ongoing, with expectations that a resolution may be reached.
The retirees vowed to continue peaceful demonstrations if their demands are not met, emphasizing their determination to secure improved welfare and dignity in retirement.
