IGP Egbetokun decries pension hardship faced by retired officers, says system breeds fear, not hope.
He urges reform of CPS while introducing new incentives to boost morale among serving personnel.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has expressed deep concern over the difficult living conditions of retired officers under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), saying the system has left many former personnel in poverty and despair.
Speaking at a senior officers’ meeting in Abuja, Egbetokun said the situation is worsening morale among serving officers who now view retirement with fear rather than hope. He described the monthly pension payments as “inadequate to meet even the most basic needs,” adding that many retired officers can no longer afford healthcare, decent housing, or a life of dignity.
“Most retired police officers live in humiliating conditions despite their sacrifices. It is morally unacceptable,” he said.
His comments follow a protest in Abuja on July 21, 2025, by retired officers demanding their removal from the CPS, which they accused of shortchanging them.
Egbetokun affirmed that the Police leadership supports exiting the scheme but stressed the need for a cautious and strategic approach.
“There may be a booby trap in the bill,” he warned. “We must not jump from one problem into another.”
He noted that his earlier remarks on the CPS had been misinterpreted as opposition to withdrawal from the scheme, clarifying that his position was driven by prudence, not resistance.
Efforts to improve police retirees’ welfare are already underway, according to the IG, who said the Force has presented its position before the National Assembly during a recent public hearing. He also encouraged police commanders to sensitize officers, both serving and retired, on the leadership’s push for reform.
In a bid to lift morale, Egbetokun announced a new incentive: any officer who wins the Inspector-General’s award for exceptional professionalism two times in a row will now be considered for accelerated promotion.
“This is a call to excellence, not just a reward,” he said. “A motivated force is an effective force.”
Meanwhile, the immediate past Inspector-General, Usman Baba, has criticized Egbetokun for allegedly failing to consult him or activate the IGPs’ forum to discuss police welfare matters. Baba accused his successor of lacking adequate understanding of police administration and claimed that several retirees, including his personal assistant, had not received their entitlements months or years after leaving service.
“How do you expect commitment when officers are afraid of retirement?” Baba asked.
Despite the criticism, Egbetokun declined to engage in a public dispute, saying, “I believe in service discipline. I would not want to join issues with him.”
