Amidst ongoing agitations for improved welfare of serving and retired police officers, rights defender and philanthropist, Isaac Fayose on Monday staged a protest in Abuja, demanding a comprehensive overhaul of police remuneration and working conditions.
Fayose who carried a Nigerian flag and placards with inscriptions such as “No Police in Nigeria Should Earn Less Than N500,000 Monthly”, said the current pay structure for police personnel was not only unjust but also directly responsible for rising cases of corruption and inefficiency in the force.
The protest follows closely on the heels of a separate demonstration by retired officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) demanding the payment of their pension entitlements and an exit from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). While the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, had earlier expressed support for the retirees’ cause, the current protesters insist on concrete timelines and measurable outcomes.
Isaac Fayose, accused the authorities of dragging their feet on the urgent issue of police welfare. Reacting to a recent police press release that warned of possible hijack of the protests by political interests, Fayose said the worsening conditions of police officers were already affecting the public negatively.
“The Inspector-General of Police should give us a timeline to implement our demands. But if you are ignoring us, we will do more and more and more,” he said.
He added, “Our streets have been hijacked by underpaid police people. That is why they take bribe. It is affecting us directly because they cannot function well as police officers if you are paying them peanuts. So, it’s better it is hijacked because it is affecting me and it is affecting you. As long as they are paying these people peanuts… na we go balance am for street.”
Fayose further called for pay parity between police officers and members of the National Assembly.
“Pay police what you pay the House of Reps, and pay House of Reps what you pay the police. You can’t leave them and pay them nothing. They have children, they have families. Their pension is poor. They have to be paid, or else we will be here on the street,” he said.
The protesters argue that adequately remunerating police personnel would drastically reduce incidents of bribery, extortion, and low morale among officers, thus enhancing national security.
In an earlier statement dated July 20, 2025, and signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to the welfare of both serving and retired officers. The statement noted that while the grievances of the retired officers were valid, some elements were attempting to politicize the matter.
“It is disheartening to observe how certain actors have chosen to politicise a sensitive welfare issue, weaponizing the legitimate grievances of our retired colleagues for ulterior motives,” the statement said.
The Police acknowledged the long-standing agitation to exit the CPS, noting that while various IGPs since 2014 have supported the cause, statutory, fiscal, and administrative hurdles have prevented resolution.
“The hard truth is that exiting the Police from the CPS lies beyond the remit of any Inspector-General,” the statement added.
However, the Police leadership is reportedly pursuing alternative solutions, including leveraging internally generated revenue and exploring partnerships with the private sector to provide supplementary pension benefits.
The IGP also ordered Commissioners of Police across states to ensure that planned protests remain peaceful and are not hijacked by miscreants or political actors. Officers were urged to show utmost respect to the protesting retirees and citizens while maintaining law and order.
“The Inspector-General charges all officers to note that this protest… must not only be peaceful; it must be exemplary,” the statement read.
While the Police hierarchy continues to engage stakeholders for long-term solutions, public frustration is evidently growing. As protesters continue to demand fair pay and dignity for officers risking their lives to maintain peace, many observers believe only bold reforms can restore morale and public trust in the force.
Isaac Fayose Demands N500,000 Minimum Pay for Police Officers
