Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, on Monday led a peaceful protest in Abuja calling for improved salaries, working conditions, and welfare packages for officers of the Nigeria Police Force. The demonstration, which took place at the Police Headquarters under light rainfall, attracted dozens of supporters and drew attention from both media and security personnel.
Sowore, known for his outspoken advocacy against injustice and corruption, said the time had come for the Nigerian government to stop treating its police officers as “disposable tools” and start honoring them with fair pay, adequate pensions, housing, health care, and insurance benefits.
“You cannot have an effective and humane police force when you are paying officers peanuts,” Sowore said during the demonstration. “How do you expect a constable who earns less than ₦50,000 a month to perform professionally, remain incorruptible, and provide security in a country battling armed robbery, banditry, and terrorism?”
Demand for Structural Reform and Living Wage
Chanting slogans like “Dignity for the Police!”, “Pay police what they deserve!”, and “Police are Nigerians too!”, protesters called for a complete overhaul of the welfare structure of the Nigerian police. They criticized the government’s failure to implement comprehensive police reform despite repeated promises over the years.
Sowore decried the irony in the government’s demand for law and order while allegedly ignoring the legitimate needs of those tasked with enforcing it.
“It’s hypocritical,” he said. “We expect these officers to defend lives and property, yet many of them can’t afford rent, school fees, or basic healthcare. That’s not sustainable, and it’s not fair.”
Focus on Retired Officers and Pension Reform
The protest also highlighted the plight of retired police officers, some of whom joined the demonstration. Many of them said they have been left in financial hardship after decades of loyal service.
A retired officer, CSP Manir Lawal (retd.), said he and his colleagues are demanding to be removed from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), which they described as “exploitative and unjust.”
“We served this country with honor,” Lawal said. “But the pension system is cheating us. After retirement, what we get is not enough to survive. Many of our colleagues have died from poverty-related illnesses. We are tired of being treated as if our sacrifices meant nothing.”
Sowore emphasized that the demands are not only moral but constitutional, adding that the poor treatment of police officers directly affects national security.
Call for Government Action
The activist called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly to immediately set up a task force to review the salary structure and conditions of service for police officers. He also urged the Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Ministry of Police Affairs to act swiftly.
“This protest is not against the police, it is for the police,” Sowore clarified. “We’re saying it’s time to give these officers a reason to believe in the system they protect. A well-paid, well-trained, and well-equipped police force is essential to any functioning democracy.”
Public Support and Social Media Momentum
The protest has since gained traction on social media, with hashtags such as #PayPoliceNow, #JusticeForRetiredOfficers, and #PoliceWelfareMatters trending across platforms. Prominent civil society groups and public figures have also expressed support for the movement.
Videos of Sowore and other activists standing in the rain with placards have sparked public sympathy and raised fresh debates about the need to prioritize the welfare of law enforcement personnel in national policy.
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