The National Association of Retired Police Officers of Nigeria (NARPON) has decried the meagre pensions being paid to its members after decades of service, saying retired officers were receiving as low as N60,000 to N75,000 monthly.

The association called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to urgently address the long-standing disparities in the pension system and the poor salary structure affecting both retired and serving officers.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday, the President of NARPON and retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Paul Ochonu, said the situation has become unbearable for thousands of retired officers who dedicated their lives to national security.

?How do we justify rewarding someone who risks their life daily with a pension of N60,000 or N75,000 after 35 years of service?? he asked.

Ochonu stressed that the root of the problem lies in the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), which he said was unjustly imposed on the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), while the Armed Forces, Department of State Services (DSS), and National Intelligence Agency (NIA) were exempted.

According to him, the disparity has created widespread discontent, with many retirees slipping into poverty despite years of loyal service.

He revealed that NARPON, formerly known as the Association of Retired Police Officers of Nigeria (ARPON), was officially registered as a trade union on January 16, 2025, and received its Certificate of Registration on April 17.

The association, he said, is now formally affiliated with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) following a resolution of its Central Working Committee on July 4.

Ochonu, who warned that frustration among retirees was reaching a boiling point, cited plans for a mega protest on July 21, 2025, being organised by activist Omoyele Sowore and other police retirees under the CPS.

He called on the federal government to urgently enhance the salary structure for serving NPF personnel, noting the link between poor wages and the low amounts being contributed to the Retirement Savings Account (RSA).

He said, ?We strongly advise our colleagues not to succumb to internal or external pressure to protest. Public sentiment is on our side, and we believe President Tinubu will address this matter promptly.

?We are confident that Mr. President, under his Renewed Hope Agenda, will implement a Pension Scheme that reflects national appreciation for the service and sacrifices of police officers.

?Since 2007, officers have been contributing to their pension under the CPS. But because of low salaries, their retirement savings are extremely poor, leading to low monthly pension payments after retirement. Some are paid as little as N60,000?N75,000 monthly,? he explained.

Also speaking, General Secretary of NARPON and retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, Comrade Sunday Chukwurah, disclosed that even senior officers are affected.

?For example, as a retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, I receive N129,000 monthly. Recently, N32,000 was added as arrears, bringing it to about N161,000. Commissioners of Police receive only slightly more. Even those on the Defined Benefits Scheme are struggling,? he said.

On the matter of exiting the CPS, Ochonu said, ?We have no authority to influence that decision. It is up to the federal government to amend the Pension Reform Act through the National Assembly.?

He added, ?The Inspector-General of Police is aware of our concerns and has made proposals to the government. We know steps are being taken, and we urge patience.?

He called on the federal government to break its silence and clearly communicate its plans to the public.

?The silence is fueling unrest. The government must speak up and reassure retirees and serving officers alike. Let the public know what is being done. We urge restraint, not protest,? he said. (The Guardian)

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