Retired police officers across Nigeria have announced plans to stage a nationwide peaceful protest on July 21, 2025, to draw attention to the ongoing challenges they face under the Contributory Pension Scheme.
The announcement came from the Kaduna State branch of the Union of Retired Police Officers following its monthly meeting held at the Police Officers’ Mess in Kaduna.
The group’s leadership, including Chairman Mannir M. Zaria and Vice Chairman Danlami Maigamo, confirmed that the protest will take place across all 36 states of the federation.
The retired officers say the decision to hold the demonstration—tagged “Mother of All Peaceful Protests”—follows years of hardship caused by the pension scheme they were placed under before retirement.
According to them, the system has left many of their members financially stranded and emotionally broken.
“Our members have endured enough,” the union said.
“We have resolved to take to the streets again in a peaceful and coordinated protest to demand our removal from the Contributory Pension Scheme, which has only brought suffering and despair.”
The group also cited a rise in depression, illness, and death among their ranks as a result of inadequate pensions and delayed payments, calling it a crisis that must be addressed urgently.
Earlier this year, the union had joined forces with the Bauchi State chapter to stage a week-long protest at the National Assembly in Abuja, from February 24 to March 3. During that protest, petitions were submitted to several key offices, including committee leaders in both chambers of the National Assembly and the Director of the Department of State Services.
However, the retirees say they are disappointed by the lack of response from lawmakers, especially following a public hearing on the proposed Police Pension Board Bill, which was held in November 2024.
“The silence from the authorities is painful, but we are determined to continue pressing forward through lawful means,” the union said. “We will not give up until our demands are met.”
The group also made it clear that they have no connection to any individuals or groups planning violent demonstrations, insisting that their approach remains peaceful and lawful.
They believe the only lasting solution to the ongoing pension challenges is the creation of a separate and independent Police Pension Board that can manage the welfare of retired officers fairly and effectively.