Human rights activist and 2023 African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, is calling for a major salary increase for Nigeria Police officers.
Speaking on Channels TV’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday, Sowore said it was unjust that police officers who risk their lives daily earn so little compared to the politicians they protect.
“An average senator takes home ₦30 million per month, but the senator can’t leave home unless accompanied by the police,” he said.
“So, why is it that senators are taking home ₦30 million per month, but the policeman cannot earn ₦500,000 per month?”
Police Earn Less Than Pension Administrators
Sowore said the situation reflects deep injustice in Nigeria’s reward system.
“₦500,000 is only about $300 a month. That’s what some people earn in a day elsewhere—not in Nigeria,” he said.
He also criticised Police Pension Limited, the firm managing police retirement savings.
According to him, “The pension company, an average worker there makes about a million per month. Meanwhile, the people whose pension they are managing are dying of poverty.”
“How do you serve a country for 35 years and your salary is ₦57,000, or maybe ₦140,000 depending on your rank?”
He added that with inflation above 24%, such salaries cannot meet basic living needs like school fees and hospital bills.
Police Officers Plan Protest July 21
Sowore revealed that aggrieved officers plan to protest on July 21 over poor pay.
He said the protest date was picked by the officers themselves, who are ready to down tools if their demands are ignored.
He urged the public—especially celebrities who benefit from police escorts—to show support.
“I know that the ones that accompany celebrities get better pay, they get incentives. But at the end of the day, it’s important that you all step out for the police,” he said.
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If that will stop the corruption and sanitize the Nigerian forces, I am all for it.