The Presidential Villa in Abuja came under tension on Monday as retired police officers staged a protest at one of the main gates of Aso Rock, demanding immediate action from Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the long-awaited Police Exit Bill.
The protesters, made up of elderly retirees and some of their family members, blocked access to the gate early in the day. acti
Politics Nigeria reports that their action disrupted movement in the area and drew the attention of security operatives stationed at the Villa.
The demonstration was organised under the umbrella of the Police Retired Officers Forum of Nigeria.
The retirees said their protest was the result of years of frustration. They described the current pension system as unfair and deeply damaging to their welfare.
According to them, the system has left many former officers struggling to survive after dedicating decades of service to the country.
At the centre of their demand is the Police Exit Bill. The proposed law seeks to remove the Nigeria Police Force from the Contributory Pension Scheme.
The bill was passed by the National Assembly in December 2025 and forwarded to the Presidency in March 2026. However, it is yet to receive presidential assent.
Carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, the protesters made their grievances clear. Some of the inscriptions read, “Police dey work, PenCom dey chop” and “Tinubu, sign our bill now.”
The mood at the scene remained tense as the retirees insisted they would not leave without hearing directly from the President.
Security personnel, including officers of the police and operatives of the Department of State Services, moved quickly to secure the area. They prevented the protesters from advancing further into the Villa. Despite repeated appeals, the demonstrators refused to disperse.
“We are not going anywhere until the President comes out to speak to us,” one of the retirees declared.
Another protester spoke emotionally about the hardship many of them now face. “They have already killed us with this system,” he said.
Mr President, the suffering is too much. Our children cannot go to school. There is no one to help us. We served this country for 35 good years, and at the end they gave us just N1 million and put us on a pension of N30,000. How do we survive?”
He added, “Mr President, come to our side and see what we are going through.”
The crowd echoed similar frustrations. Many insisted that only direct intervention from the President would address their situation. “It is Tinubu we want to see. Where is the President? We are not going anywhere,” another protester shouted.
The retirees also directed criticism at the National Pension Commission, which manages the Contributory Pension Scheme. They argued that the scheme does not reflect the realities and risks associated with police service.
According to them, the system has left many retired officers in poverty, with monthly payments that barely cover basic needs.
Despite efforts by security officials to restore calm, the protesters maintained their position. They repeatedly chanted, “President Tinubu, sign our bill!” as the standoff continued.
As of the time this report was filed, there was no official statement from the Presidency regarding the protest or the status of the bill.
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