The National Association of Retired Police Officers of Nigeria (NARPON) has appealed to both serving and retired police personnel to reconsider their planned protest demanding the exit of the Nigeria Police Force from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).
The association said the agitation, which seeks a return to the now-defunct Defined Benefits Scheme (DBS), risks derailing the structural gains achieved under the current pension system.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, NARPON acknowledged the growing frustration among officers over low pension payouts but explained that the root of the issue lies not in the CPS itself but in the salaries and allowances earned during service.
According to the group, pension benefits, under any system are directly tied to the terminal emoluments of officers. Unless special provisions are made, no pension structure can offer payments beyond what a worker earned while in active duty.
The association maintained that the CPS, as enshrined in the Pension Reform Act 2014, remains a more transparent, law-backed, and sustainable system than the DBS, which was scrapped due to widespread mismanagement, delays, and arrears.
They warned that reverting to the old scheme would expose retirees to the very challenges that triggered pension reforms in the first place.
In a show of confidence in the CPS, NARPON pointed to the recent upward review of pension payments for retirees under the scheme.
The review, approved by the National Pension Commission (PenCom) on June 18, 2025, demonstrates the system’s ability to adapt to economic realities and improve retirees’ welfare over time.
This, the group said, is proof that the CPS is not rigid and can evolve through sustained engagement and reforms.
A key issue raised during the press conference was the pending sum of ₦758 billion, which represents unpaid pension shortfalls from 2007 to date. NARPON revealed that this backlog is currently before the National Assembly awaiting approval.
They urged all stakeholders to focus their efforts on securing the release of these funds, which would significantly improve the benefits received by serving and retired officers under the CPS.
The association also disclosed ongoing discussions between PenCom and the federal government to introduce policy-based solutions aimed at enhancing the attractiveness of the pension scheme.
One of the proposals is the payment of 100 percent gratuity to retirees at the point of exit from service, a move that would address many of the immediate liquidity challenges retirees face. NARPON also called for an increase in the government’s share of monthly contributions to officers’ Retirement Savings Accounts from the current 10 percent to 20 percent.
When combined with the 8 percent contributed by the officers themselves, this would raise the total contribution to 28 percent and drastically improve pension balances upon retirement.
In addition, the association is pushing for special budgetary allocations to augment police pensions, citing the hazardous and demanding nature of policing.
They noted that other critical sectors of the economy, such as the military and oil industry, already benefit from similar arrangements.
NARPON believes the Nigeria Police Force deserves comparable support to ensure dignified retirement for its personnel.
The association also reminded the public and relevant authorities that the Nigeria Police Act 2020 provides legal backing for the establishment of additional pension benefit schemes from internally generated revenue.
This model has already been adopted by agencies such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC).
NARPON urged the police force to follow suit by setting up a supplementary pension plan to support retirees.
In its final remarks, the association emphasized that the Pension Reform Act is a flexible legal framework that allows for innovation, improvement, and
additional benefits.
It does not prevent employers from taking full or partial responsibility for employee pensions, nor does it limit them from enhancing retirement packages.
Therefore, the solution to the current agitation lies in policy reforms, improved contributions, timely payment of accrued rights, and the creation of supplementary pension plans not in dismantling the CPS.
NARPON called for calm, constructive dialogue, and collective commitment from all stakeholders.
The group stressed that building on the gains of the existing system, while addressing its shortcomings with patriotism and policy-driven action, remains the best path forward.