Retired police officers in Nigeria have announced plans to stage what they described as the “father of all protests” against the federal government over the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), which they say has left many of them in hardship.
The retirees, under the banner of the Concerned Police Officers, disclosed on Tuesday, August 26, that they will occupy major streets across the country until their demands are met.
According to the group, the protest will feature canopies, cooking points, and sleeping facilities to allow participants to remain on site indefinitely.
They are demanding that police officers be exempted from the CPS and returned to the Defined Benefits Scheme (DBS), arguing that their welfare has been neglected despite years of service.
Several retirees have previously staged demonstrations in Abuja over the same issue, accusing the government of failing to implement earlier promises of reform.
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Police pension agitation has been ongoing since 2004, when the CPS was introduced under the Pension Reform Act.
While other security agencies have since been exempted, police officers remain under the scheme, a situation the retirees say is unjust and discriminatory.
The group vowed not to relent until President Bola Tinubu’s administration addresses their concerns and ensures equal treatment for retired officers.