The Police Service Commission (PSC) has described the planned nationwide protest by retired police officers as ill-timed and diversionary, urging restraint and a return to constructive dialogue.
In a statement issued by the Commission’s spokesperson, Mr. Ikechukwu Ani, the PSC said the proposed protest is ill-advised, especially at a time when there is near-unanimous consensus that the welfare of retired police personnel requires urgent attention and reform.
“The Commission is aware of the grievances expressed by some retired officers and affirms that the issues raised are already receiving attention from the relevant government agencies,” the statement read.
The Chairman of the Commission, retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG Hashimu Argungu (mni), has consistently condemned the inequities in the current pension arrangement, particularly the discriminatory treatment faced by some categories of retired officers. He has also championed the need for a unified and equitable Police Pension Scheme.
According to the PSC, DIG Argungu has made several high-level interventions advocating for a democratized and streamlined pension structure, and remains committed to these reforms.
The Commission reiterated its position that dialogue and engagement, rather than confrontation, remain the most effective route to resolving outstanding issues. It stressed that peaceful resolution aligns better with national interest, especially at a time when the country is navigating complex socio-political challenges.
“The PSC will never relent in its efforts to promote improved welfare for all police personnel, both serving and retired. The Commission urges those behind the planned protest to reconsider their approach and return to the negotiating table, in the spirit of patriotism and national cohesion”.
The Commission further emphasized that such a protest, if allowed to proceed, could disrupt the prevailing peace and distract from ongoing efforts to improve the conditions of service for Nigerian police officers.
