…reforming the police pension structure is not merely a policy issue, it is a constitutional and moral obligation – IHRC
The iNews Times reports that the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) in Nigeria has thrown its weight behind the renewed push by Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for a comprehensive reform of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) for retired officers of the Nigeria Police Force.
This move is aimed at addressing the systemic flaws in the current pension arrangement, which the IHRC describes as a constitutional breach.
The commission noted that the current pension system is inadequate, unfair, and incompatible with Nigeria’s constitutional values.
According to the IHRC, thousands of retired police officers are living in hardship and indignity, despite their sacrifices and service to the nation.
Ambassador Duru Hezekiah, Head of Mission at IHRC, emphasized that the commission firmly supports the IGP’s advocacy for a just and equitable pension scheme for retired police officers.
“We call on President Tinubu to urgently address the systemic flaws in the Contributory Pension Scheme, which violate constitutional provisions guaranteeing dignity and adequate social support for public officers,” Hezekiah stated.
The IHRC cited Sections 17(3)(f) and 34(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution, which compel the state to ensure the dignity, wellbeing, and adequate social support of all public officers, including retired security personnel.
The commission’s intervention follows a high-level meeting convened by the IGP on July 1, 2025, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
During the meeting, Egbetokun reiterated his resolve to push for a more just and practical pension structure, describing the current system as a gross injustice. “Our retirees deserve dignity, support, and a structure that reflects their sacrifice and service to Nigeria. We cannot continue to subject our heroes to a pension scheme that is clearly unfit for the nature of their work and the risks they bore,” the IG declared.
The IHRC also highlighted the unjust disparity between police and military retirees, with the latter benefiting from a more suitable pension arrangement. “The military has rightly been removed from the CPS because of the peculiar nature of their job. The same logic applies-if not more so-to police personnel. Our police officers risk their lives daily, and they deserve a pension structure that reflects that reality. Anything less is an affront to justice, equity, and national security,” Hezekiah said.
In line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the IHRC urged the Presidency to act decisively in addressing the disparity and upholding the constitutional and moral obligations of the state to its law enforcement agents.
“Reforming the police pension structure is not merely a policy issue-it is a constitutional and moral obligation. We believe this government has the opportunity to right this historical wrong and restore dignity to our Police retirees,” the statement read.
