“Shocking Demand: Sowore Says It’s An Insult For Officers To Earn Less Than ₦500,000!”

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has reignited national debate by declaring that no Nigerian police officer should earn less than ₦500,000 monthly

Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Wednesday, Sowore linked poor police remuneration to Nigeria’s festering insecurity, asserting that a comprehensive overhaul of the force’s welfare system is urgently required.

He emphasized that a well-paid police force could dramatically curb crime, banditry, and insurgency nationwide.

“Our position is clear: no policeman should earn below ₦500,000 per month,” Sowore said, adding, “Before you ask whether it’s affordable, consider the cost of neglecting police welfare.”

Sowore criticized the federal government’s skewed budget priorities, pointing out the billions spent on military hardware like Apache helicopters—funds he believes would be better used to strengthen internal security systems and police welfare.

ACCORDING TO IREPORTER ONLINE, Sowore insisted that boosting police salaries could lead to a 70% reduction in terrorism, an 80% drop in kidnappings, and a significant decline in everyday crime across Nigeria.

“You can’t expect protection from officers who are themselves unprotected and undervalued,” Sowore argued. “We are sustaining insecurity by failing to sustain those who should secure us.”

His remarks, which have gained traction online, come amid mounting frustration over the nation’s security architecture.

ACCORDING TO IREPORTER ONLINE, the activist’s bold proposal has received both praise and skepticism, with some hailing it as a pathway to lasting reform, while others question its economic viability given Nigeria’s current fiscal constraints.

Despite the pushback, Sowore stood firm: “Policing isn’t just about uniforms and batons. It’s about dignity, capacity, and national stability.”

”IREPORTER REPORTS”