Police retirees demand better pay as NASS delays in N758bn pension approval
Retired police officers in Nigeria have intensified calls for improved pension benefits as the National Assembly continues to delay the approval of N758 billion in outstanding pension liabilities.
This demand was made in a statement by National Association of Retired Police Officers of Nigeria (NARPON) National President, Paul Ochonu, on Tuesday.
The police retirees urged the Federal Government to urgently address the grievances of retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) in order to avert a planned protest by serving police officers.
They highlighted the economic hardship faced by police retirees and called for calm, dialogue and policy-driven engagement.
NARPON noted that the National Pension Commission (PenCom) had, on 18 June 2025, approved a significant upward review of pensions for CPS retirees, demonstrating the system’s responsiveness to economic realities.
However, the association stressed that approving the N758 billion pension liabilities currently pending before the National Assembly would significantly enhance the retirement benefits of both serving and retired officers.
The association also recommended an increase in the federal government’s contribution to Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs) from the current 10% to 20%, in line with Section 4 of the Pension Reform Act 2014.
Parts of the statement said, “This adjustment will resolve most concerns about low pension payouts. Pension is a function of salary earned while in service. Whether under the CPS or DBS, the amount of pension payable to a retiree is directly tied to the quantum of his terminal emoluments.
“It is only fair that the police be accorded equal consideration.
“We noted that PenCom has recommended payment of 100 percent gratuity to retirees in the public sector; however, NARPON is recommending payment of 300 percent gratuity, as was the case with DBS retirees.
“This will enhance the retirement welfare of police personnel from internally generated funds.”
While acknowledging the frustration and disillusionment among retirees, NARPON appealed for calm and urged all stakeholders to pursue constructive engagement and reforms.
“The real solution to the pension concerns of police officers may not necessarily lie in exiting the Contributory Pension Scheme, but in improving its implementation,” the statement added.
Police retirees demand better pay as NASS delays in N758bn pension approval
