Retired police officers in Nigeria are set to begin an indefinite peaceful protest in Abuja on Monday, 20th April, over concerns about their pensions and welfare.
The protest, organised by the Police Retired Officers Forum of Nigeria and similar groups, is aimed at pushing for their removal from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), which they say has left many retirees in hardship.
Recent demonstrations in Abuja show growing frustration among the retirees.
They had previously marched toward the Presidential Villa, chanting, “We no gree, we no go gree,” amongst other solidarity and protest chants over what they described as poor pension conditions.
Some retirees said the protest is about survival after years of service.
“We are fighting for our rights. You cannot intimidate us,” one protester was filmed saying to the active duty police officers deployed to halt their march.
Others described the situation as unbearable.
“We have served the Nigeria Police for 35 years.
"Now that we are retired, we are supposed to enjoy the fruits of our labour, but we continue to suffer,” another retiree said.
Organisers say the protest will continue until the government addresses their demands, including exiting the CPS and improving pension payments.
They are also urging President Bola Tinubu to sign the Police Exit Bill into law.
According to a statement by the group, the protest is meant to push for “improved welfare and equity” for retired officers.
The CPS has long been criticised by police retirees, who say it has “failed to provide adequate post-retirement welfare,” leaving many struggling to meet basic needs.
The protest highlights ongoing concerns about the welfare of former security personnel in Nigeria.
