Human rights activist and 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has revealed that rank-and-file police officers plan to down tools on 21 July in protest against poor salaries.
Speaking on The Morning Brief on Channels Television on Wednesday, Sowore said the affected officers selected the date themselves, expressing frustration over what he described as “wages that amount to unemployment”.
“Our proposal, which many of them are considering, is to withdraw their services, especially from the elite who benefit from their protection but ignore their welfare,” he said.
“If the Inspector General wakes up on 21 July and finds no policemen to drive him or carry a weapon beside him, he’ll realise these officers are serious.”
He clarified that the agitation was not from retired officers but active-duty personnel who feel overworked and underpaid. Sowore added that another protest is being planned for 1 August by another group of officers.
“Many of them say their current pay is not worth the risk. Imagine working for 35 years and earning a pension of just ₦35,000. What can you do with that? Buy airtime?” he asked.
Sowore urged the government to urgently review police salaries and welfare, stating that some officers earn as little as ₦57,000 to ₦140,000 monthly despite rising inflation and basic family expenses.
He also called on the public, particularly celebrities who benefit from police escorts, to support the protest, saying: “It’s time for those who enjoy their protection to stand with them.”