Retired CP Earns Less Than N100,000 Monthly, While DSP-Equivalent in Military Gets ₦300,000 — Adeoye

By TONY OKAFOR, AWKA

Former Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye (rtd), has raised alarm over the suffering and injustice faced by retired police officers under Nigeria’s contributory pension scheme, describing the system as “ineffective, inefficient, and deadly.”

Appearing on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday, Adeoye described the recent nationwide protest by retired police personnel as “painful but necessary”, lamenting that many die waiting endlessly for their entitlements.

“When hope is lost, all is lost. But we must keep hope alive,” he urged.

According to him, police officers contribute 8% of their monthly salaries throughout their service, while the Federal Government contributes 10%.

Despite this, he said, they often retire into financial uncertainty.

He disclosed that officers from the rank of Commissioner downwards have their salaries cut off immediately upon retirement, with benefits sometimes delayed for over two years.

Adeoye, who retired more than a year ago, revealed he has yet to receive any retirement benefits.

He said many retirees are unable to feed, pay rent, access healthcare, or send their children to school — and many die waiting.

“A retired CP earns less than ₦100,000 monthly, while a military captain, equivalent to a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), gets about ₦300,000,” he lamented.

He described the pension scheme as “humiliating” and “a betrayal of those who risked their lives for national peace.”

While acknowledging the Inspector General of Police’s concern and ongoing consultations, Adeoye pointed to a bill in the National Assembly seeking to establish a Police First Pension Board.

If passed, the bill would withdraw the police from the contributory pension scheme — a move he believes could mark the beginning of true reform.

He commended the IG for considering interim support measures but emphasized that “real change will only come with full implementation and systemic restructuring.”

“Nigeria owes its police force an apology,” Adeoye said, urging retirees to remain peaceful and not allow hoodlums to hijack their protests.

“Better days shall come,” he concluded.