Retired police officers have raised concerns over what they describe as poor retirement benefits, revealing that some receive as little as one point five million naira after serving for up to thirty five years. The retirees also demanded their removal from the Contributory Pension Scheme managed by the National Pension Commission, citing ongoing financial hardship.
The protest took place at the Oyo State Police Headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, where former officers gathered to express dissatisfaction with their pensions. They stated that the current system does not provide enough support for their basic needs after decades of service to the nation.
Speaking during the demonstration, a retired Superintendent of Police, Joseph Alabi, said many retirees struggle to survive on their monthly payments. He explained that he receives about seventy thousand naira each month, which he described as insufficient for family responsibilities and daily living expenses.
Alabi questioned why police personnel remain under the contributory pension system while other security agencies operate separate arrangements. He called on the President to approve a bill passed by the National Assembly that would allow the police to exit the scheme and elish a dedicated pension structure.
Another protester, retired Deputy Superintendent of Police Omotayo Salaudeen, described his retirement benefits as inadequate after thirty five years of service. He appealed for public understanding and support, noting that many former officers cannot meet basic needs.
A retired electrical engineer, Babatunde Oluwatoye, who joined the protest, emphasized that welfare issues among police personnel could affect morale and national security.
The retirees vowed to continue peaceful advocacy for reforms as similar protests have been reported in Abuja and other parts of the country.
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