Retired police officers across the country have raised fresh concerns over unpaid pension entitlements, warning that further delays by the Federal Government and National Assembly in approving N758 billion pension arrears could trigger protests among serving police personnel.
The National Association of Retired Police Officers of Nigeria (NARPON), in a statement signed by its National President, Paul Ochonu, said the hardship faced by retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) has become unbearable. The group urged the government to act urgently to prevent a potential crisis in the force.
NARPON acknowledged a recent decision by the National Pension Commission (PenCom) on June 18, 2025, which approved an upward review of pensions for retirees under CPS. While welcoming the move, the association said the real problem is the delay in approving the N758 billion needed to implement the changes.
“This is not just about figures—it’s about the survival of men and women who risked their lives for Nigeria,” the statement said.
The association warned that frustration among serving officers is growing and could lead to unrest if urgent steps are not taken.
NARPON appealed for calm but called for more dialogue, better policies, and an increase in the federal government’s contribution to Retirement Savings Accounts from 10% to 20%, in line with the Pension Reform Act 2014.
They also demanded special budgetary allocations for police pensions due to the high-risk nature of their duties and urged the government to adopt a 300% gratuity payout, similar to what retirees under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) received.
The group praised the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) for efforts to ensure that no retired officer of the rank of Commissioner or below earns less than 60% to 80% of their last salary as monthly pension.
NARPON further suggested that the government take advantage of the Nigeria Police Act 2020 to create an Additional Pension Benefits Scheme, similar to those used by CBN, NDIC, and NNPC, to boost retirement benefits through internally generated funds.
Despite the rising tension, the association urged retirees and serving officers to remain peaceful while continuing to push for reforms.
“The way forward is not to leave the Contributory Pension Scheme, but to fix its implementation to meet the needs of our officers,” the statement concluded.