Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore led a major protest in Abuja on Monday, demanding improved salaries for serving police officers and comprehensive pension reforms for retired personnel. The peaceful demonstration drew participation from retired police officers across the 36 states of the federation and highlighted growing discontent within the security sector over poor welfare conditions.
The protesters marched from the National Assembly complex to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, calling for urgent government action to address what they described as economic hardship faced by police personnel. Protesters carried placards with messages calling for dignified treatment and immediate removal of retirees from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), which they argued has left many in poverty.
Retired officers participating in the protest decried the meagre benefits they receive after decades of service. Many reported receiving one-time gratuity payments as low as ₦2 million, with monthly pensions reportedly ranging between ₦30,000 and ₦35,000. These payments, they said, are insufficient to meet basic needs, particularly in light of Nigeria’s rising inflation and unstable economy.
The protest also drew attention to the salaries of serving police officers, with participants demanding a minimum monthly wage of ₦300,000 to ₦500,000 for constables and junior ranks. They argued that the current salary structure, which pays some officers as little as ₦43,000, is unacceptable and contributes to low morale and inefficiency within the force.
Although the Nigeria Police Force acknowledged the legitimacy of the concerns raised, authorities cautioned against politicising the issues. The Inspector-General of Police had earlier issued a directive advising officers in Abuja to remain in their barracks during the protest. Security operatives were seen monitoring the protest to ensure it remained peaceful, and there were no reports of violence or clashes as of press time.
The demonstration has rekindled national discourse on police reform, with analysts noting that previous efforts have focused mainly on accountability and conduct, without sufficient attention to the welfare of officers. The call for pension reform and improved remuneration is expected to place pressure on the National Assembly and executive branch to initiate long-overdue legislative and policy actions.
Organisers of the protest indicated that the movement would continue until tangible progress is made. They have called for an immediate review of the pension system affecting police retirees, and for the establishment of a separate, independent fund that reflects the unique service demands placed on law enforcement personnel.
As attention turns to the government’s next steps, the protest has drawn widespread public interest and may serve as a catalyst for broader security sector reform in Nigeria.
