IGP’s Letter to Senate Follows Growing Outrage Over ‘Miserable’ Police Retiree Pensions
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has officially appealed to the Nigerian Senate for the urgent removal of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). This follows intense protests by retired officers who claim they have been left to languish under an inadequate and demoralizing pension structure.
In a letter dated July 25 and stamped received by the office of Senate President Godswill Akpabio on July 29, Egbetokun described the current pension arrangement as “humiliating” to retired police personnel. He urged lawmakers to fast-track a bill that would facilitate the exit of the NPF from the CPS—a system they say has failed to deliver the welfare they deserve after years of service.
Nationwide Protests Expose Pension Woes
The call for reform gained traction after several retired officers staged protests at both the Force Headquarters and the National Assembly in Abuja. Their message was clear: the current pension system is unsustainable and dehumanizing... Read complete content click link below
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“Most of us live in miserable conditions,” one protester lamented. “The pension we receive under this scheme cannot even buy basic food items.”
These demonstrations drew widespread attention and triggered political and public discussions about the long-standing pension crisis within the police force.
Leaked Letter Sparks Debate on Motives
Activist Omoyele Sowore shared a copy of the IGP’s letter on social media, describing it as a tactical move rather than a genuine solution.
“It is a calculated move to calm the rising anger of retired and serving police officers—nothing more than a distraction,” Sowore said, dismissing the effort as “halfhearted.”
Nonetheless, IGP Egbetokun maintained that the police hierarchy is committed to addressing the concerns of its retirees. He revealed that discussions had already been initiated with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and other stakeholders.
IGP Appeals for Compassionate Policy Shift
In the leaked document, Egbetokun passionately appealed to the Senate, writing:
> “Most retired officers of the Nigeria Police Force live in conditions that are not only unacceptable but humiliating… Their monthly pension under the CPS is abysmally low and grossly inadequate to meet even basic needs.”
He further emphasized that the morale and institutional confidence of serving officers are being undermined, warning that this could have ripple effects on national security.
Official Silence Raises Questions
So far, the Nigeria Police Force has not issued any official statement regarding the leaked correspondence. The Force spokesperson, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has yet to respond to media inquiries.
However, sources close to the situation say the leadership is working behind the scenes to initiate policy changes—though no concrete actions have been publicly disclosed yet.
What’s Next for
Police Pension Reform?
The National Assembly is expected to review the IGP’s request in the coming days, and all eyes are now on whether lawmakers will act swiftly to address the grievances of thousands of retired officers. Analysts warn that continued inaction could deepen unrest within the force and damage public trust in its leadership and the government’s commitment to its security personnel.
As the debate over police pensions intensifies, the IGP’s letter could prove to be a defining moment in the push for long-overdue reform.
Source: Gistreel News
