Retired police officers face humiliating conditions under pension scheme – IGP Egbetokun
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has expressed serious concerns about the dire situation faced by retired officers under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).
He highlighted that many retired officers are living in humiliating conditions, which has instilled fear and anxiety among serving officers and weakened morale across the ranks.
Egbetokun made these remarks during a meeting with senior police officers in Abuja. He reflected on protests held by retired police officers on July 21, 2025, where they voiced their frustrations over poor treatment and inadequate pension payments.
The retired officers are demanding to be removed from the CPS, citing that it shortchanges them.
Egbetokun stated, “Today, most retired officers of the Nigerian Police Force live in conditions that are not only unacceptable, but humiliating, given the sacrifices they made in service to the nation.”
He further described the monthly pensions under the CPS as “maximally low” and insufficient for meeting basic needs, noting that many retirees struggle to afford essential healthcare and housing.
Emphasizing the impact of this situation, Egbetokun said, “This has turned retirement into a period of hardship and regret, eroding the confidence of serving officers, who now see their future with fear rather than hope.”
He warned that the poor state of retirees is affecting the morale of active officers, creating an atmosphere of anxiety about their own futures after retirement.
Although the police leadership supports the idea of exiting the CPS, Egbetokun urged cautious decision-making to avoid potential pitfalls. He mentioned that previous efforts to educate officers about the CPS had been misunderstood as attempts to keep them bound to the scheme.
Highlighting the police leadership’s commitment to improving the welfare of retirees, Egbetokun revealed that they have proposed measures to augment pensions and presented their stance to the National Assembly.
He noted, “While the agitation for our exit from the Contributory Pensions Scheme is just and deeply rooted in lived realities, it is imperative that our actions are guided by prudence and strategy.”
In a call for unity, Egbetokun encouraged police commanders to engage with both serving and retired officers about ongoing welfare efforts. He also announced a new welfare incentive for serving officers, stating that any officer who wins the Inspector-General’s award for exceptional professionalism twice consecutively will be considered for accelerated promotion, fostering a culture of excellence and patriotism within the Force.
Responding to criticism from former Inspector-General Usman Baba regarding the CPS, Egbetokun maintained his belief in service discipline and refrained from engaging in disputes. Baba had previously lamented the delays in retirement benefits for some of his colleagues and the issues of segregation within the ranks.
Egbetokun concluded with a firm affirmation of his commitment to improving the conditions for both serving and retired officers, stressing that efforts must continue to ensure a motivated and effective police force.
Source: PUNCH
