By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has strongly criticised a planned nationwide protest by retired police officers scheduled to begin on Monday, July 21, 2025, over what they described as a discriminatory pension scheme.
In a statement on Sunday, PSC spokesperson Ikechukwu Ani described the proposed action as “diversionary, ill-timed and in bad taste,” warning that such demonstrations could undermine ongoing efforts by government agencies to address pension disparities among retired personnel.
“The Commission believes that relevant government agencies are currently looking into the obvious disparity with a view to bridging the gap,” Ani said. “It advises that the affected officers should consider the path of dialogue and continuous engagement rather than confrontation.”
The retirees, backed by civil society organisations and prominent activists including African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, said they had been forced to the wall by the government’s continued silence over their grievances.
They allege that the current pension arrangement unfairly segregates some retired officers, leaving many in dire conditions. The protest is intended to draw national attention to their plight.
However, the PSC insists that the matter is already receiving serious attention, noting that its chairman, retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Hashim Argungu, has consistently advocated for pension reform.
“At different fora, the chairman has condemned the discriminatory pension scheme and called for a streamlined, democratised structure,” Ani noted.
While reaffirming its commitment to improved welfare for both serving and retired officers, the PSC appealed for calm, urging the retired personnel to reconsider their position for the sake of national peace and stability.
“The Commission is of the strong belief that the nation cannot afford this distraction at this time of our democratic journey,” the statement added.