By Charles Maduka
Retired police officers under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) have announced plans to stage a nationwide peaceful protest on July 21, 2025, in response to unresolved pension issues that they say have brought hardship and despair to thousands of ex-officers.
The declaration was made by the Kaduna State chapter of the Union of Retired Police Officers during its monthly meeting at the Police Officers’ Mess in Kaduna. The union’s Chairman, Mannir M. Zaria, and Vice Chairman, Danlami Maigamo, said the protest, dubbed “Mother of All Peaceful Protests,” will take place simultaneously across all 36 states of the federation.
According to the group, the current pension scheme has subjected many retirees to economic hardship, emotional distress, and even death. They are demanding the removal of the Nigeria Police Force from the CPS, which they argue has failed to provide financial security for retired personnel.
“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 union stated.
The group cited a previous protest held between February 24 and March 3, 2025, at the National Assembly, where they submitted petitions to several key government offices. However, they expressed frustration over the lack of response, particularly concerning the outcome of the public hearing on the Police Pension Board Bill held on November 19, 2024.
Despite their disappointment, the retired officers reaffirmed their commitment to lawful advocacy and distanced themselves from any groups planning violent demonstrations.
“The silence from the authorities is deafening, but we remain committed to lawful engagement,” they said.
The union insists that the only viable solution to what they described as “systemic injustice” in the pension system is the establishment of an independent Police Pension Board.
As the July 21 protest date approaches, the group is calling on the federal government and the National Assembly to act swiftly and address their concerns to avoid further hardship among retired police personnel.
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