The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has told retired police officers that removing them from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) is not within his power. He made this clear while addressing protesting retirees in Abuja on Monday.
Earlier in the day, many retired officers—mostly elderly—protested at the National Assembly and later marched to the Force Headquarters, demanding to be removed from the pension scheme, which they say has brought them hardship and uncertainty.
Egbetokun, while speaking directly to the protesters, said he fully understands their pain.
“We all feel concerned. We empathise with you because we are also going to retire,” he said.
He assured them that the police leadership is working hard behind the scenes to improve their welfare.
The police chief said he had just left a meeting with the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, where the issue of poor police pensions was discussed at length.
“Even right now, I was just coming from a meeting with the NSA. The subject matter is the poor pension of retired officers,” he added.
However, he explained that removing the police from the CPS is beyond the power of any Inspector-General, as it requires changes to laws and national policies.
“The agitation to exit the CPS has been on since 2014—11 years ago. All previous IGs have tried their best. But exiting the CPS is beyond the power of any Inspector-General of Police,” he said.
Also Read:
Egbetokun made it clear he is not against the call to exit the CPS.
“I’m not opposed to your exit from the CPS. If exiting from CPS will solve the problem, I will go for it. But if it is difficult for us to exit CPS, what else can we do?” he said.
He also warned the retirees to be careful of those who may use their pain for personal or political gain.
“Don’t allow the enemies of the police to use you. Be suspicious of those who pretend to be on your side,” he cautioned.
While acknowledging that the CPS has many flaws, the IGP said improvements could still be made from within the system.
“Even with the CPS, we can improve its operations and ensure that you are happy in retirement,” he stated.
He concluded by saying that his office is exploring alternative ways to fix the pension problems since past attempts to exit the scheme have failed.
“It’s these alternative ways I’m working on that people are misinterpreting as I am opposing your exit from CPS,” he explained.
The retired officers listened quietly, though many remained firm in their demand for change.