IGP Egbetokun Decries Retired Officers’ Plight, Seeks Strategic Exit from Pension Scheme

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has expressed deep concern over the harsh conditions faced by retired police officers under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), describing their situation as degrading and unacceptable.

Speaking at a meeting with senior officers in Abuja, Egbetokun said many retired personnel live in hardship, unable to afford basic necessities like healthcare and housing, despite their years of service to the nation. He warned that the suffering of retirees is causing fear and anxiety among serving officers, ultimately affecting morale across the Force.

“This fear has become so widespread that it is visibly demoralising serving personnel, who now view retirement as a descent into suffering,” Egbetokun stated.

His remarks follow a protest on July 21, 2025, by retired police officers in Abuja, who demanded immediate removal from the CPS, citing irregular and meagre pension payments.

While reaffirming his commitment to improving retirees’ welfare, the IGP emphasized that exiting the CPS must be done carefully to avoid unforeseen consequences. “Though the agitation is justified, any decision must be guided by strategy and caution. There could be hidden pitfalls in the proposed bill,” he cautioned.

He clarified that his earlier statements were misinterpreted as opposition to leaving the CPS. “I am not against exiting the scheme. My concern is ensuring we don’t leap from one problem into a worse one,” he added.

Egbetokun revealed that the police leadership had made presentations to the National Assembly and initiated steps to enhance retirees’ benefits. He also tasked police commanders with sensitising officers—both serving and retired—on ongoing efforts to improve welfare.

To boost morale within the ranks, the IGP announced a new incentive: any officer who wins the Inspector-General’s Award for exceptional professionalism twice in a row will now be eligible for accelerated promotion. “This is a call to excellence, not just a reward,” he said.

Addressing recent criticism from his predecessor, former IGP Usman Baba, who lamented unpaid retirement benefits and alleged Egbetokun’s lack of consultation, the current IGP maintained a respectful tone. “I believe in service discipline and would not engage in public exchanges,” he said.

Baba had earlier voiced his frustration in an interview, claiming that some of his retired colleagues, including his personal assistant, had not received any pension months after retirement. He also criticised the lack of institutional dialogue, despite the existence of a forum for serving and former IGPs.

Both past and present police chiefs now appear aligned on one point: Nigeria’s police pension system needs urgent reform to restore dignity to retirees and confidence among those still in service.