Amid heavy rainfall, retired police officers across different states on Monday staged coordinated protests to demand their removal from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), citing poor welfare, neglect, and years of hardship under the system.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-IDRI-Masterclass.png")
In Abuja, the protesters mostly elderly ex-officers in their 60s and 70s gathered at the entrance of the National Assembly complex, carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs in the rain. They accused the federal government of abandoning those who had served the nation faithfully.
Leading the protest, retired Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Manir Lawal described the pension scheme as “exploitative and unjust,” stating that it had plunged many retired officers into poverty.
“We are here to ask the government to remove us from the CPS. The pension scheme is exploitative and unjust,” Lawal said. “I am 67 years old. Many of us here are in our 60s and 70s. We have served this country faithfully and deserve to retire in dignity. This scheme has impoverished us. It is our right to demand better.”
The protest in Abuja was also joined by activist and Convener of the Revolution Now Movement, Omoyele Sowore, who called on the federal government to recognise the sacrifices made by police officers and prioritize their welfare.
“This is a matter of national dignity and justice,” Sowore said. “The Nigerian government must honour those who risked their lives in service by ensuring their pensions and gratuities are paid in full.”
Elsewhere in Taraba State, retirees staged a similar protest in Jalingo, the state capital. Armed with banners and placards, they echoed the same demands—calling for a complete exit from the CPS and the restoration of full gratuity payments.
Some of the inscriptions on their placards read: “We demand total exit from the deadly Police Contributory Pension Scheme,” “Scrap Police Contributory Pension Scheme,” and “We need our full gratuity.”
The protesters in both locations vowed to sustain their demonstrations until the government and National Assembly take concrete steps to address their concerns.
Security operatives monitored the protest in Abuja to ensure it remained peaceful.
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
