Retired police officers on Monday braved the rain to protest at the National Assembly gate in Abuja. The elderly officers demanded to be removed from the Contributory Pension Scheme, which they described as unfair.
The protesters carried placards and sang solidarity songs in the rain, saying the scheme had left them poor despite serving the country for years.
A retired Chief Superintendent of Police, Manir Lawal, who spoke during the protest, said, “We are here to ask the government to remove us from the CPS. The pension scheme is exploitative and unjust.”
Lawal, who is 67 years old, said many of the retirees are in their 60s and 70s. He added, “We have served this country faithfully and deserve to retire in dignity. This scheme has impoverished us. It is our right to demand better.”
The officers said they would not leave the assembly gate until the lawmakers address their concerns.
Security officials were on the ground to monitor the protest and ensure order.
