The Police Service Commission (PSC) has expressed disapproval of the proposed nationwide protest by retired police officers scheduled for July 21, describing it as “ill-timed” and “distracting” at a moment when the federal government is reportedly taking steps to resolve the welfare challenges confronting ex-police personnel.
In a statement issued on Sunday through its spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani, the PSC urged the protesting retirees to reconsider their approach and instead engage constructively with relevant government bodies. According to the Commission, the protest could derail ongoing conversations and efforts geared toward improving the welfare of retired officers.
“The planned protest at a time when there is near-universal agreement that the condition of retired Police Officers requires urgent intervention is counterproductive and inappropriate,” the statement noted.
The Commission emphasized that its Chairman, retired Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Hashimu Argungu, has consistently pushed for a fair and improved pension system for retired officers.
It pointed out that Argungu has publicly condemned the existing pension disparities and continues to advocate for a comprehensive and inclusive Police Pension Scheme. According to the PSC, government agencies are already examining these concerns with the aim of addressing the inequality.
“The Commission is confident that responsible government institutions are reviewing the existing gaps with the intention of bridging the divide,” the statement added.
Calling for calm, the PSC advised the retirees to choose dialogue and peaceful resolution rather than staging protests. It reiterated its unwavering commitment to ensuring better welfare conditions for both serving and retired officers, regardless of rank.
“The Commission affirms that it remains steadfast in its pursuit of improved welfare packages for all police personnel—retired or serving, senior or junior,” the statement declared.
The statement closed with an appeal to those organising the demonstration, urging them to reconsider their stance in the interest of national stability and cohesion.
“The Commission strongly believes that the country cannot afford this form of distraction at this critical stage of our democratic development,” it concluded.
Background
The planned protest by retired police officers, set for July 21, 2025, follows prolonged frustration over insufficient pension payments, worsening economic conditions, and long-standing disparities in the welfare structure of the Nigeria Police Force. Branded as the “Mother of All Peaceful Protests,” the demonstration is being coordinated by the National Association of Retired Police Officers of Nigeria (NARPON), in partnership with other affiliated groups.
Those affected, particularly retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), complain of monthly pensions ranging from just ₦18,000 to ₦75,000—amounts they say are grossly inadequate given present economic realities.
They argue that the CPS was unfairly implemented for the police while exempting other security outfits like the military, Department of State Services (DSS), and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).
Numerous retirees have reported facing mental health struggles, financial destitution, and even premature deaths due to the economic hardships they encounter post-service.
Earlier this year, a peaceful demonstration was held at the National Assembly, but participants claim it failed to produce any tangible results. Despite submitting petitions to several lawmakers, the retirees remain dissatisfied with the legislative inertia—especially concerning the Police Pension Board Bill, which was last discussed in November 2024.
Chronicles Reporters recently revealed that the Nigeria Police Force has commenced a covert nationwide roll-call aimed at identifying serving officers who might be sympathetic to the protest cause, highlighting internal tensions within the force.
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