A retired Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Esther Marcus from the Nigeria Police Force, has shared her ordeal of financial hardship following her retirement after 35 years of service. Speaking in a now-viral video, Marcus disclosed that she received a gratuity of ₦1.7 million upon retirement in 2018 and is currently on a monthly pension of ₦40,000.
Marcus, who claimed she joined the police force before turning 16, voiced her frustration over the Federal Government’s contributory pension scheme, describing it as “dirty” and “unfair.” She lamented, “After serving for 35 years, I received ₦1.7 million as gratuity, followed by a monthly pension of ₦40,000. This is not just my story but the reality faced by every other police officer under this scheme.”
Marcus alleged that despite ongoing efforts by police retirees to draw attention to their plight, the Federal Government has largely ignored their concerns. “This struggle has been ongoing for over 10 years. There have been at least three or four public hearings on this issue, but no concrete actions have been taken. Meanwhile, other security agencies such as the Army and DSS are not subjected to public hearings for their pensions,” she said.
She further highlighted perceived inequalities within the police pension system, pointing out that senior officers, including Assistant Inspectors General (AIGs), Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs), and the Inspector General (IG), are exempt from the contributory pension scheme. “They’ve excluded themselves from this unjust system, leaving officers from the rank of Commissioner of Police and below to bear the brunt,” she stated.
Marcus emphasized the unsustainable nature of the current pension structure, questioning how retired officers are expected to survive on such meager amounts. “How do you expect me, as a DSP, to survive on ₦40,000? Lower-ranked officers receive even less—some as low as ₦28,000. Is this how we reward those who dedicated their lives to protecting the nation?” she asked.
Determined to fight for justice, Marcus vowed to continue advocating for pension reform. “We will never stop fighting this injustice. If necessary, we will occupy the National Assembly and call international media, like CNN, to expose the plight of Nigerian police retirees.”
Marcus also warned that the poor treatment of retirees contributes to corruption within the police force. “How do you expect police officers to stop engaging in corrupt practices when they know retirement means a life of financial misery? They will continue extorting and enriching themselves by any means possible,” she stated.
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She concluded her impassioned plea with a strong message for those opposing pension reforms. “Anyone against this cause is like a vulture, waiting for the vulnerable to perish. They cannot escape this evil system,” Marcus declared.
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The retired officer’s revelations have sparked widespread discussion, highlighting the urgent need for pension reform within Nigeria’s security agencies.
