Police retirees set for nationwide protest over pension issues

Retired officers of the Nigeria Police Force have fixed Monday, April 20, 2026, for a nationwide protest over lingering pension concerns, warning that the action will proceed unless urgent steps are taken by authorities.

The retirees, operating under the contributory pension scheme, said the protest is aimed at drawing attention to delays, disparities, and what they described as inadequate welfare after retirement.

Chairman of the group, Mannir Lawal, said the protest would be led by what he called the “original agitators,” who have championed the cause of police retirees for over 15 years.

He explained that the decision followed internal disagreements within the retirees’ movement, distancing his group from a rival faction he claimed lacked broad support and failed to achieve meaningful engagement with lawmakers.

Lawal recalled that his group previously staged a protest in October which lasted about 46 days, leading to initial discussions with government representatives in December. However, he said progress stalled, prompting renewed agitation.

He added that although the group had earlier engaged the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, and was asked to allow time for intervention, members have now resolved to proceed independently.

According to him, the grievances of the retirees are directed primarily at the Federal Government, with the protest aimed at pressing their demands at the highest level.

“We have given enough time, but now we are going ahead with our protest,” Lawal said, insisting that the group would not be deterred.

The retirees said they are seeking reforms to the contributory pension scheme, including improved and timely payments, and in some cases, a complete exit from the system in favour of a more reliable structure.

Meanwhile, some retired officers staged a protest at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Monday, chanting slogans and accusing authorities of neglect and intimidation.

The protesters said years of service had not translated into a dignified retirement, expressing frustration over continued hardship.

“We served for decades, and now we are left to suffer. Enough is enough,” one retiree said during the protest.

Despite attempts by the police leadership to engage the group and prevent escalation, indications suggest the planned nationwide protest may still go ahead.

Efforts to obtain official comments from the Police Pension Commission were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.