The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has revealed that the distressing conditions of retired officers under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) are severely damaging morale among serving personnel.
During a closed-door meeting with top police brass at Force Headquarters on Tuesday, Egbetokun expressed grave concern about the growing fear among officers who view retirement as “a descent into hardship.”
“This has turned retirement into a period of hardship and regret, eroding the confidence of serving officers, who now see their own future with fear rather than hope,” the IGP stated.
“This fear has become so pervasive that it is having a noticeable demoralizing effect on morale across ranks.”
The police chief disclosed that attempts to explain the CPS framework to officers backfired, with many interpreting such efforts as attempts to maintain them in “perpetual bondage.”
He painted a grim picture of retirees’ living conditions: “Today, most retired officers live in conditions that are not only unacceptable but humiliating… Their monthly pension under the CPS is maximally low and roughly inadequate to meet even the most basic needs. Many can no longer afford health care, housing, or a life of dignity.”
Egbetokun confirmed the police leadership has initiated supplemental pension support for retirees, presented their case to the National Assembly and backed the bill seeking police exemption from CPS.
The revelations come days after nationwide protests by retired officers demanding immediate removal from the controversial pension scheme.
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