Omoyele Sowore calls on Nigerian police officers to join a July 21 protest over no salary payment and demands a minimum wage of ₦300,000 to ₦500,000 monthly

Nigerian human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has urged both serving and retired members of the Nigeria Police Force to participate in a nationwide protest against no salary payment and poor remuneration.

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Sowore announced that the protest will take place on 21 July 2025 with the slogan “Pay Police As They Deserve”.

His demand centres on the need for police officers to receive a livable wage, insisting no officer should earn below ₦300,000 monthly.

“No police officer should earn less than ₦300,000 to ₦500,000 monthly. Mark your calendars: #POLICEProtest — July 21st, 2025. This is your date with destiny,” Sowore declared in a post shared on social media. “Stand up. Demand justice. Fight for your worth.”

The activist described the demonstration as a rare chance for officers to challenge the conditions of service he believes have left them impoverished, marginalised, and voiceless.

Currently, police constables, who are often the most visible members of the force, earn an average of just ₦43,923 per month.

Many Nigerians view this low salary as a major factor behind recurring allegations of corruption, extortion, and inefficiency in the force.

Sowore’s campaign has reignited national debate about police welfare and the broader implications of no salary payment or delayed compensation in Nigeria’s public sector.

While previous administrations have made pledges to review and adjust the police wage structure, most officers continue to face significant economic hardship.

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With the protest date drawing closer, it remains to be seen how many officers will take the bold step of joining the demonstration, and whether the federal government will respond with concrete policy changes.