Abuja, June 23, 2025 – A retired Superintendent of Police has publicly rejected his retirement benefit of ₦2 million, describing it as “an insult” after dedicating 35 years to national service.
The former officer, whose retirement was effective October 1, 2023, disclosed that the Police Pension Board approved a total payout of ₦3 million—comprised of ₦1 million arrears and ₦2 million final entitlement. In an emotional video that quickly went viral, he expressed profound disappointment with the inadequacy of the benefits.
“I served my country wholeheartedly,” he lamented, questioning how such a modest sum could compensate decades of service. “I cannot serve this country for 35 good years and be paid just ₦2 million.” He further vowed to reject the money and pursue justice in his own way, calling on federal authorities to reassess the compensation framework for retiring officers
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This incident has reignited broader concerns over low pension allowances and delays in gratuity disbursement for veteran officers. Last January, another retired officer—DSP Esther Marcos, who served for 35 years—received only ₦1.7 million in gratuity, with pension payments delayed for months under the contributory scheme
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Civil society groups and retired law enforcement associations have condemned the current pension structure, characterizing it as unfair and unsustainable. They argue that such meagre retirement packages dishonour the sacrifices of officers and undermine morale within the police force.
Advocates are urging the Federal Government and the Police Service Commission to urgently review and adjust retirement benefits to reflect the commitment and dangers inherent in policing.
As the debate continues, attention has turned to whether this vocal rejection will prompt policy action. For now, the retired officer awaits a response—his personal protest echoing the frustrations felt by many of Nigeria’s retired security personnel.