Aggrieved Police Officers Threaten Nationwide Strike Over ‘Slavery-Like’ Pension Scheme

Disgruntled officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) have issued a nationwide strike threat, demanding immediate withdrawal from the scheme and transition to the Defined Benefits Pension Plan (DBPP) like their counterparts in the military and other elite agencies.

In a strongly worded open letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, key government officials, and the Nigerian public, the officers described their current pension arrangement as “modern-day slavery” and warned of severe consequences if their demands are not met by July 31, 2025.

“We are saying enough is enough. Therefore, we are giving between now and next month ending for the government to change our pension and gratuities to the defined benefits pension plan like the military, EFCC, NIA, and others,” the officers declared.

The letter, obtained by SaharaReporters on Tuesday, was also sent to the Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ministry of Police Affairs, Police Service Commission, and Inspector-General of Police.

Threats of Violence

The aggrieved officers, who remain anonymous, issued a chilling warning:

“If the government fails to implement this, it will definitely experience another mother of all strikes from August 1, 2025. Mark our words. During this strike, if any officer is found in uniform performing any duties, he or she may lose his or her life, or remain maimed for life. A word is enough for the wise.”

The letter has sparked serious concerns within security circles, with analysts warning that any police strike could paralyse national security operations, especially amid rising insecurity across the country.

Background: CPS vs DBPP

Introduced via the Pension Reform Act of 2004, the Contributory Pension Scheme requires joint contributions from employers and employees to individual Retirement Savings Accounts, managed by private Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs).

While praised for its long-term sustainability, the scheme has drawn sharp criticism from police officers and members of paramilitary services, many of whom claim they are left financially vulnerable in retirement.

Numerous efforts to exempt the police from CPS, including legislative bills and public campaigns between 2022 and 2024, have so far failed to bring about a policy shift.

No Official Response Yet

As of press time, the Presidency, Ministry of Police Affairs, and Police High Command had not issued any formal response to the ultimatum.

With over 300,000 officers, the Nigeria Police Force is the country’s largest security outfit. A strike action—especially one involving threats of violence—would mark an unprecedented breakdown in Nigeria’s internal security structure.

Tensions Rise as Deadline Approaches

Security experts are urging the government to treat the threat with urgency, noting that a police shutdown could embolden criminal networks and disrupt ongoing operations in conflict-prone regions.

While it remains unclear whether the threat reflects the sentiments of a fringe group or a broader movement within the force, the tone and timing of the ultimatum are raising alarms nationwide.