Retired Police Officers Threaten Nationwide Strike Over “Slavery” Contributory Pension Scheme

Retired police officers across Nigeria are threatening to embark on a nationwide protest and potentially a crippling shutdown of police operations from August 1, 2025, if the Federal Government fails to address their grievances concerning the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). The disgruntled officers have given the President Bola Tinubu administration until the end of July to meet their demands for a change in their pension and gratuity arrangements.

In a strongly worded open letter issued on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, and addressed to President Tinubu, the Vice President, the National Assembly leadership, and other key government bodies, the aggrieved officers under the CPS described their current pension plan as “slavery-like.” They accused the Nigerian Government of deliberate negligence despite being fully aware of the hardship faced by retired police officers for many years.

Their core demand is a complete change from the Contributory Pension Scheme to the Defined Benefits Pension Plan, which is currently enjoyed by personnel in the Nigerian military, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), among others.

“We are saying enough is enough. Therefore, we are giving between now and next month ending for the government to change our pension and gratuities to the defined benefits pension plan,” the statement read. The officers vowed that if the government fails to implement this, it will “definitely experience another mother of all strikes from August 1, 2025.” They also issued a stern warning that during the proposed strike, any officer found in uniform performing duties “may lose his or her lives, or remain maimed for life.”

The Contributory Pension Scheme, introduced in 2004 through the Pension Reform Act, replaced the older Defined Benefits Scheme. While designed for greater sustainability, it has faced consistent criticism, particularly from police and paramilitary agencies, who argue it leaves them financially vulnerable and short-changed upon retirement. Retirees often lament receiving only a small percentage (around 25%) of their lump sum contributions, with the remainder managed by Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) without commensurate returns to the retirees.

This is not the first time retired police officers have protested over this issue. There have been multiple demonstrations, including protests in May 2024 and September 2021 at the National Assembly, urging lawmakers to exempt them from the CPS like their military counterparts. Despite legislative bills and public advocacy, a comprehensive reform has yet to be implemented.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has previously acknowledged the challenges arising from the CPS and held interactive sessions with retired officers in February 2025 to address their concerns, reiterating the Force’s commitment to ensuring welfare. However, the retirees have expressed distrust in the Police hierarchy’s involvement, preferring that the National Assembly take full control of the matter.

With over 300,000 personnel, the Nigeria Police Force is the largest security agency in the country. A nationwide strike by its retirees, especially one with such strong threats, could have far-reaching implications for national security amidst existing challenges. As the July deadline looms, tension is palpable within the police ranks and across national security circles, though the presidency and the Ministry of Police Affairs are yet to issue a formal response to the ultimatum.