A Photo file of Sowore

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has called for a significant increase in the salaries of Nigerian police officers, proposing a monthly wage of ₦500,000 for personnel at the lower ranks.

Speaking on The Morning Brief, a Channels Television program aired today, Sowore questioned the wide salary disparity between Nigerian senators and the security personnel assigned to protect them.

According to him, “An average senator takes home ₦30 million monthly but cannot step out of his home without police escorts. Why should those doing the actual work—securing lives and property—earn as little as ₦57,000 to ₦140,000 per month?”

Sowore further expressed concern over the financial hardship faced by police officers, especially after retirement. He criticised the management of police pensions, revealing that workers at the pension firm earn up to ₦1 million monthly, while retired officers live in penury.

“How do you serve the country for 35 years and still struggle to survive in a system where inflation stands at 24 percent?” he asked.

Sowore also threw his weight behind the planned nationwide protest scheduled for July 21, organised by aggrieved police personnel over their poor welfare. He urged the public, particularly entertainers who benefit from police protection, to support the demonstration.

“Some celebrities reward officers attached to them with extra perks, but it’s time for everyone to rise in solidarity with those who put their lives on the line for us,” he said.

The activist stressed that the protest was initiated by the affected officers themselves, noting that many of them are ready to down tools if their demands are ignored.