Human rights advocate and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has condemned the vast income disparity between Nigeria’s political leaders and members of the police force, describing it as morally indefensible and dangerous to national security.
Sowore criticised the fact that Nigerian senators reportedly earn up to ₦30 million monthly, while many police officers retire with as little as ₦35,000 in monthly pensions after 35 years of service. He recounted a meeting with a retired police inspector who revealed his total retirement package was only ₦1.6 million.
He described the situation as a reflection of a broken system that rewards political privilege while neglecting those who risk their lives to protect society. Sowore argued that poor police welfare is a major driver of corruption and inefficiency within the force.
Supporting the demands of aggrieved officers, he revealed that a nationwide police strike is planned for July 21, with retired officers set to stage peaceful demonstrations across the country. He noted that some serving officers have already been detained for simply discussing the strike online.
Sowore proposed a minimum monthly salary of ₦300,000 to ₦500,000 for rank-and-file police officers, saying that no serious reform can occur without fair compensation. He dismissed concerns about cost, arguing that official police figures are bloated by ghost workers and that true numbers are closer to 250,000 personnel.
He also called on civil society, celebrities, and everyday Nigerians to support the movement, stating that real police reform must include better pay, improved training, equipment, and accountability.
Sowore further revealed that pressure from the ongoing campaign has already led to some results. A police officer who publicly complained about his pension was later informed that ₦5 million had been “found” in his account—suggesting systemic mismanagement of police funds.
He warned that frustration is not limited to the police, as officers from the NSCDC, DSS, and military are also expressing discontent over poor welfare. He urged urgent national action, describing the situation as both a labour and security crisis.
