ABUJA — Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, on Monday led a peaceful protest to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja, calling for improved salaries and pension benefits for serving and retired police officers across the country.
The protest, which later moved to the National Assembly complex, drew attention to what the demonstrators described as “inhumane treatment” of police personnel, who they say face poor pay, inadequate pension schemes, and general neglect from the authorities.
Carrying placards with bold inscriptions such as “Pay Police a Living Wage,” “End Police Slavery,” “Pensions for Police Officers,” and “Dignity for Those in Uniform,” the protesters chanted in unison, urging the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to prioritize the welfare of law enforcement officers.
Despite being denied access to the Force Headquarters building, Sowore and his group were accompanied by a contingent of police escorts as they continued their march to the National Assembly, where they hoped to present their grievances directly to lawmakers.
Addressing journalists during the protest, Sowore said:
“The Nigerian police deserve to be treated with dignity. They are risking their lives daily but being paid peanuts and abandoned after retirement. If the government can’t take care of those who protect lives and property, then it has failed in its duty.”
He further called for immediate reforms in the welfare structure of the police, including a comprehensive review of the salary system, regular payment of benefits, and a robust pension scheme that guarantees post-service security.
There has been growing concern over the poor remuneration of police officers in Nigeria, with many analysts and civil society organizations linking it to rising cases of corruption and low morale within the force.
The protest concluded peacefully, with participants vowing to continue their advocacy until the government takes concrete steps toward police welfare reform.
