Retired police officers in Nigeria have renewed calls for improved pension benefits, urging the federal government and National Assembly to act swiftly on the approval of N758 billion in outstanding pension liabilities.
The National Association of Retired Police Officers of Nigeria (NARPON), in a statement signed by its National President, Paul Ochonu, today, lamented the economic hardship faced by retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).
The association warned that continued neglect could spark a protest among serving officers, reports The Nation.
NARPON acknowledged a recent development by the National Pension Commission (PenCom), which, on June 18, 2025, approved a substantial upward review of pensions for CPS retirees, calling it a step in the right direction.
However, the group stressed that the delay in approving the N758 billion fund pending before the National Assembly continues to hinder the effective implementation of the reviewed benefits.
The association called for calm but urged dialogue and policy-driven engagement to address the plight of retired officers. It also recommended that the federal government increase its contribution to Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs) from the current 10% to 20%, in accordance with Section 4 of the Pension Reform Act 2014.
“This is a matter of survival for many who have dedicated their lives to national service,” the statement added, appealing to stakeholders to act swiftly to prevent a looming crisis.
“This adjustment will resolve most concerns about low pension payouts. Pension is a function of the salary earned while in service. Whether under the CPS or DBS, the amount of pension payable to a retiree is directly tied to the quantum of his terminal emoluments,” the statement read.
NARPON urged the federal government to make special budgetary provisions for police pensions, citing the hazardous nature of police work and the need for fair treatment.
“It is only fair that the Police be accorded equal consideration,” the statement added.
While noting that PenCom has recommended payment of 100% gratuity to retirees in the public sector, NARPON recommended a payment of 300% gratuity as was the case with defined benefit scheme (DBS) retirees.
The association also commended the efforts of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to engage with the federal government in ensuring that no police retiree of the rank of Commissioner of Police or below received a monthly pension of less than 80% or 60% of their total emoluments at the point of disengagement, depending on their rank.
NARPON also advocated leveraging the Nigeria Police Act 2020 to establish an Additional Pension Benefits Scheme, similar to those already implemented by agencies such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), and Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC).
“This will enhance the retirement welfare of police personnel from internally generated funds,” the statement noted.
While acknowledging the frustration and disillusionment among retirees, NARPON appealed for calm and urged all stakeholders to pursue constructive engagement and reforms.
“The real solution to the pension concerns of police officers may not necessarily lie in exiting the Contributory Pension Scheme, but in improving its implementation,” the statement added.
