Retired Nigerian police officers have issued a stern call to the Federal Government, demanding immediate resolution of ₦758 billion in unpaid pension liabilities, warning of looming unrest among active personnel.
The National Association of Retired Police Officers of Nigeria, NARPON, which represents thousands of ex-servicemen, made the call on Tuesday, expressing deep frustration over the delay in the National Assembly’s approval of the long-outstanding pension debt.
In a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Paul Ochonu, NARPON urged the government to address their grievances under the Contributory Pension Scheme through concrete legislative and policy action, warning that continued neglect could trigger a chain reaction within the ranks of serving officers.
“The economic hardship faced by retired officers is real and growing,” the statement read. “We are calling for calm among our members, but we cannot ignore the frustration of those who sacrificed decades in service to the nation.”
NARPON acknowledged the recent approval by the National Pension Commission (PenCom) on June 18, 2025, of an upward review of CPS pensions, which it described as a positive step.
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However, the association emphasized that without legislative approval of the ₦758 billion owed, the financial impact would remain minimal.
The retirees also advocated an increase in the federal government’s contribution to Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs), proposing a raise from 10% to 20%, in accordance with Section 4 of the Pension Reform Act 2014.
This move, they argued, would bridge the gap in current pension payouts and provide a more dignified retirement for police officers.
“Pension is directly tied to terminal emoluments. Whether under CPS or the Defined Benefit Scheme, it is only fair that retirees—especially those who served under hazardous conditions—receive adequate compensation,” the statement added.
NARPON called for a 300% gratuity payment for police retirees, aligning with what was previously available under the DBS, rather than the 100% currently being recommended.
They also commended the Inspector-General of Police for lobbying to ensure that no retiree from the rank of Commissioner of Police downwards receives less than 60–80% of their final monthly salary as pension.
In addition, NARPON proposed the creation of an Additional Pension Benefits Scheme for the police, modeled after internal welfare schemes available in agencies such as the Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigerian National Petroleum Company, and Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation.
These, they said, could be funded through internally generated revenue.
While many retirees have become disillusioned with the CPS, NARPON clarified that reform—not total exit from the scheme—was the more realistic solution.
“The real answer lies not in scrapping the scheme but in making it work as intended—fairly, efficiently, and with dignity for all beneficiaries,” the group stressed.
NewsExpress
