The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has expressed deep concern over the “humiliating” conditions of retired police officers under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). 

Speaking at a meeting with senior officers in Abuja on Tuesday, he described their plight as morally unacceptable, given their years of national service.

Egbetokun noted that many retired officers struggle with inadequate pensions, unable to afford basic needs such as healthcare and housing. 

He warned that this dire situation is demoralizing serving officers, who now fear retirement rather than look forward to it.

Efforts to educate officers on CPS, he said, have been misinterpreted as attempts to keep them trapped in a flawed system.

 He clarified his earlier caution regarding the bill seeking police exemption from CPS, stating it was meant to encourage careful scrutiny of proposed alternatives, not opposition to the bill.

The IG also revealed that police leadership had made submissions to the National Assembly in support of improved welfare for retirees and was working on ways to supplement their pensions.

To boost morale, Egbetokun announced a new welfare incentive: any officer who wins the IG’s award for exceptional professionalism twice in a row will be considered for accelerated promotion. This move aims to foster excellence and patriotism within the Force.

When asked about criticism from a former IG, Egbetokun declined to engage, emphasizing discipline and service over public disputes.