Political activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore
Human rights activist and 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, has called for a significant increase in the remuneration of Nigerian policemen.
Sowore believes that policemen should earn a minimum of ₦500,000 per month, considering the average senator they protect earns ₦30 million monthly.
*“Unfair Compensation”*
Sowore questioned the disparity in salaries, saying, “Why is it that senators are taking home ₦30 million per month, but the policeman cannot earn ₦500,000 per month? What is ₦500,000 really? Maybe about $300 a month; that is what some people earn in a day somewhere else, not in Nigeria.”
He also highlighted the disparity in pension management, noting that the pension company managing policemen’s pension pays its workers a minimum of ₦1 million per month, while the policemen themselves struggle with poverty.
“The pension company, an average worker there makes about a million per month, that’s the least that they make, and the people whose pension they are managing are dying of poverty,” Sowore said.
*Protest call*
Sowore urged Nigerians, especially celebrity entertainers who enjoy police protection, to join the planned July 21 protest against the poor pay of policemen.
“I know that the ones that accompany celebrities get better pay, they get incentives, but at the end of the day, it’s important that you all step out for the police,” he added.
Sowore emphasized the need for the government to take action to improve the welfare of policemen, saying, “We’re concerned about the people who are really doing the work, and it’s time for us to be on their side to ensure that they are well paid, well remunerated, and when they are no longer in service, they don’t become paupers.”
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