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Abuja, Nigeria – A group of retired police officers gathered at the National Assembly on Thursday to protest the government’s failure to pay their pensions and other entitlements. The officers, who served the nation for over 35 years, said they have now been reduced to begging to survive.

The retirees, dressed in black attire, carried placards with inscriptions such as “We Served Nigeria With Our Lives” and “Pay Us Our Pensions Now.” They expressed frustration over years of neglect by the authorities despite dedicating their youth to maintaining law and order across the country.

Decades of Service, Yet Nothing to Show

One of the protesters, identified as Sergeant Musa Abdullahi (rtd), said many of his colleagues have died waiting for their entitlements. “We have turned beggars after 35 years of service. The government abandoned us after using our strength to fight crime. Some of us can’t even afford medical care,” he lamented.

The retirees demanded immediate intervention from President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to address the delay in pension payments. They warned that continued silence from the government could lead to more unrest among retired officers nationwide.

National Assembly Promises To Look Into Their Demands

A senior National Assembly official who addressed the protesters assured them that their complaints would be forwarded to the relevant committees. He promised that discussions with the Police Service Commission and the Pension Commission would begin soon to find a lasting solution.

The retirees urged the lawmakers to keep their promise, noting that many of them are already facing hunger, homelessness, and poor health due to the unpaid pensions.

Police Pension Challenges Not New

This protest adds to the long history of pension-related controversies within Nigeria’s Police Force. Over the years, several reports have exposed irregularities and corruption within the system, leaving thousands of retired officers stranded without benefits.

In 2021, similar protests erupted in Abuja and Lagos, with officers accusing the Pension Commission of withholding funds. Yet, the issue remains unresolved, highlighting the need for urgent reform in the management of police pensions in Nigeria.

Voices of Frustration and Hope

Some officers expressed hope that this protest would mark the beginning of change. “We are not asking for favors. We are asking for what we worked for,” said another retiree. “Our children are suffering. Our wives can’t feed. We deserve better after serving Nigeria faithfully.”

The protest ended peacefully after hours of chants and speeches, but the retirees vowed to return if their demands are not met within the coming weeks.

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Conclusion

The plight of retired police officers highlights the urgent need for pension reform and better welfare for those who risked their lives in service to the nation. As they continue to appeal for justice, Nigerians hope that this protest will finally push the government to act.