CPS Exit Bill: Police Retirees Plan Demonstration at Presidential Villa

CPS Exit Bill: Police Retirees Plan Demonstration at Presidential Villa

Zainab Tanimu

Kaduna Northwest Nigeria

Retired officers of the Nigeria Police Force under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) have announced plans to stage a peaceful protest at the Presidential Villa on Monday, March 23, 2026, should the long-awaited bill seeking their exit from the scheme remain unsigned.

The proposed legislation, which was forwarded to the Presidency on February 23, 2026, is expected to reach its 30-day constitutional deadline on the same day.

This position was made known in a statement issued in Kaduna by the Chairman of the Kaduna State chapter, retired Chief Superintendent of Police Mannir M. Lawal (Zaria), alongside retired Assistant Superintendent of Police Danlami Maigamo.

The statement followed deliberations at the union’s monthly meeting held on March 18, 2026, at the Police Officers’ Mess in Kaduna, where members expressed deep concern over their worsening living conditions.

According to the retirees, many former officers are grappling with severe financial hardship, with some unable to adequately provide food for their families.

Citing a communication from the Clerk of the National Assembly dated March 16, 2026, Lawal noted that under Section 58(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the President is required to either assent to or decline the bill within 30 days of its submission.

In a bid to press home their demands, the Kaduna chapter has called on its National Coordinator, retired Superintendent of Police Chris Effiong, to mobilise members across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory for the planned demonstration.

The union stressed its resolve to see the bill signed into law, noting that the move is aimed at preventing a recurrence of similar setbacks experienced during the 9th National Assembly.

They further lamented that the current pension arrangement has left many retirees unable to meet essential needs, forcing some to withdraw their children from school at various levels, while access to healthcare has become increasingly limited.

The group also expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding the bill, which seeks to establish a dedicated Nigeria Police Pension Board, warning that continued delay could further worsen the plight of affected retirees.