The decision was taken on Tuesday in Abuja during a ministerial and stakeholders’ committee meeting. According to the Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Police Affairs, Modupe Adegboro, the meeting was convened to look critically at how police personnel are remunerated and supported, and to propose reforms that reflect current economic realities.
Chairing the committee, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Police Affairs, Dr. Anuma Ogbonnaya Nlia, said the review is part of government’s broader commitment to reposition the police and improve morale within the force. He noted that policing in Nigeria comes with unique risks and responsibilities, and that the welfare package must match those demands.
A major focus of the deliberations was salaries and allowances. The committee agreed to examine both regular and non-regular allowances paid to officers to determine which ones are still relevant, which have been duplicated over time, and which need to be adjusted to reflect inflation and cost of living. Dr. Nlia said the goal is to harmonize allowances in line with public service rules while also retaining special operational allowances that are peculiar to police work.
Pension and insurance issues also came under review. Members of the committee looked at outstanding pension arrears owed to retired officers, as well as unresolved claims under the group life insurance scheme, group personal accident policy, and death benefits. The committee acknowledged that delays in settling these obligations have caused hardship for families of deceased officers and for retirees who depend on timely payments.
Another key area discussed was housing. Committee members described inadequate accommodation as one of the biggest challenges facing police personnel across the country. Many officers, they said, live in dilapidated barracks or rent houses at their own expense, which affects their readiness and performance. The committee stressed that improving police housing would not only boost welfare but also enhance operational efficiency, especially for officers posted to volatile areas.
To ensure the reforms are realistic and implementable, the committee agreed on the need for sustainable funding mechanisms. Officials noted that past welfare initiatives have struggled because of poor budgetary provision and lack of follow-through. This time, they said, any new welfare package must be backed by clear funding sources so that payments for allowances, insurance and pensions can be made as and when due.
The committee also resolved to eliminate duplication in the current allowance structure. Going forward, only allowances recognized under public service rules will be retained, alongside justified police-specific allowances tied to operational duties such as special duty, risk, and hardship postings.
At the end of the meeting, the secretariat was directed to prepare a comprehensive draft report capturing all observations and recommendations. The report will be presented at the committee’s next meeting before it is forwarded to the Federal Government for consideration and approval.
Dr. Nlia said the review demonstrates that government is listening to the concerns of police officers. He added that a motivated and well-supported police force is critical to national security, and that addressing welfare issues is one way to improve service delivery and public trust.
For years, police officers and their families have lamented poor pay, delay in pension, and lack of adequate insurance cover. Retirees have staged protests over unpaid benefits, while serving officers have complained about working conditions and accommodation.
If approved, the outcome of this review could lead to upward adjustments in pay, faster settlement of pension and insurance claims, and a new housing plan for the force.
The Ministry of Police Affairs said it will continue to engage police unions, retired officers’ associations, and other stakeholders as the report is being finalized.
The government’s move comes at a time when the police are under pressure to improve security across the country, with expectations that better welfare will translate to better performance on the ground.
