officers to meet international policing standards

Radical Abuja lawyer Mohammed I. Tsav has written to Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, demanding immediate improvement of welfare packages for serving and retired police officers to meet international policing standards. Tsav, Principal Partner of M. I. TSAV & CO., copied the Senate President, National Security Adviser, Attorney-General of the Federation, Chairman, Police Service Commission, Chairman, Senate Committee on Police Affairs, and Chairman, The House Committee on Police Affairs. Below, unedited, is the letter by the scion of late famous activist-policeman, Abubakar Tsav:

RE: URGENT CALL FOR IMMEDIATE REVIEW AND IMPROVEMENT OF WELFARE PACKAGES FOR SERVING AND RETIRED POLICE OFFICERS TO MEET INTERNATIONAL POLICING STANDARDS

How are you doing and feeling? I hope my letter meets you in good tiding and health. I pray the Almighty Allah, continues to give you the wisdom and health to deal with the onerous task of policing Nigeria; containing the good the bad and the ugly, and also the recent outcry by retired police officers and pensioners, in connection with the above captioned matter.

The United Nations takes policing very seriously and defines ‘policing’ “as a function of governance responsible for the prevention, detection and investigation of crime; the protection of persons and property; and the maintenance of public order and safety”.

“Policing must be entrusted to civil servants who are members of police or other law enforcement agencies of national, regional or local governments, within a legal framework that is based on the rule of law. Police and law enforcement officials have the obligation to respect and protect human rights”.

I am an offspring of the police constituency. My Father was the late Alhaji Dr. Abubakar B. TSAV [COP Rtd.]. It is a matter of grave concern that the welfare package for our serving and retired police officers has not been comprehensively and adequately reviewed or improved to meet international policing standards. Serving officers face numerous challenges, including inadequate resources, insufficient training, and a lack of support systems. This not only affects their morale but ultimately compromises the safety and security of the communities they serve. It is a pity that many have died within five [5] years of retiring from policing service as a result of neglect and inadequate provisions in retirement.

I write to you today with a heavy heart, profound sense of dismay and outrage regarding the appalling state of welfare for both serving and retired police officers in Nigeria. I wish to unequivocally express my deep concern regarding the welfare of both serving and retired police officers. It is with a sense of urgency and frustration that I address this matter, as the current state of affairs is simply unacceptable and a disservice to those who dedicate their lives to protecting our communities and enforcing the rule of law.

It is an undeniable shame and a national disgrace that the men and women who served in the Nigeria Police Force and dedicated their lives to protecting the lives and property of our nation and upholding law and order are subjected to conditions that fall woefully short of any humane or internationally recognized standards. I express my deep concern and disappointment over the deplorable welfare conditions of serving and retired police officers. The current state of affairs is unacceptable and demands immediate attention.

It Is a matter of grave concern that the welfare package for our police officers has not been adequately reviewed or improved to meet international policing standards. Serving officers face numerous challenges, including inadequate resources, insufficient training, and a lack of support systems. This not only affects their morale but ultimately compromises the safety and security of the communities they serve.

Recent regular and social media reports and persistent public outcry highlight the dire circumstances faced by our serving police personnel. Serving officers often contend with inadequate remuneration, lack of appropriate training, lack of adequate housing or dilapidated barracks, lack of official issue and police official stationery, modern equipment, vehicles, and insufficient medical care. These deplorable conditions not only demoralize our dedicated officers but also severely compromise their ability to perform their duties effectively and with the professionalism expected of a modern police force. All these amongst others make our officers easily prone to corruption, lack of confidence and self-esteem required in professional police officers.

Even more distressing is the plight of our retired police officers. After years, and in many cases, decades of selfless service, these individuals are cast out; into a life of poverty and hardship due to paltry pensions and a broken welfare system. It is utterly unacceptable that those who have sacrificed so much for our collective security are left to languish in destitution in their twilight years.

The recent protests; by retired officers, some reporting receiving as little as N2.4 million as gratuity; after 35 years of service, are a stark and shameful testament to this grave injustice. This is not merely an administrative oversight; it is a fundamental betrayal of trust and a profound disrespect and insult for their contributions to the security of the country over the years. I find and observe that:-

1. Retired police officers receive meager pensions, ranging from FRN=N=10,000.00K; to FRN=N=42,000.00K; monthly, after dedicating thirty-five [35] years of day and night policing service to the nation, in this time and age.

2. Many officers struggle to afford basic necessities, including housing, food, and medical care, due to inadequate pensions provision.

3. The contributory pension scheme has subjected retirees to untold hardship, financial embarrassment, and rising depression and untimely deaths.

It is imperative that we honour the commitment and sacrifice of our officers by providing them with the benefits and support they rightly deserve.

The current welfare package for the Nigeria Police Force is a stark anomaly when compared to international policing standards. Across the globe, police officers are provided with competitive salaries, comprehensive healthcare, decent housing, robust pension schemes, and opportunities for professional development. These provisions are not luxuries; they are essential investments in maintaining a motivated, efficient, and corruption-free police force. This is an issue that calls for national attention and action.

By neglecting the welfare of our officers, we are not only failing them as individuals but also undermining the very fabric of our national security and the public’s trust in the institution. An institution that has been so battered, it shall take a total re-engineering approach to bring the police back to its original glory. The Nigeria Police institution still has that glory inherent in it.

Moreover, the situation is equally dire for retired officers, who often most times find themselves struggling to make ends meet after years of dedicated policing service. It is a shameful reality that those who have put their lives on the line for the public good are left without the necessary assistance in their retirement years.

Sir, this letter serves as a strong appeal to demand for immediate and decisive action for the welfare of serving and retired police personnel. I urge you, to:

1. Immediately review and significantly improve the salaries and allowances of all serving police officers to be commensurate with the economic realities and hazards of their profession, bringing them abreast with international policing remuneration standards.

2. Overhaul the current pension scheme for retired police officers, ensuring that they receive dignified and adequate benefits that truly reflect their years of dedicated service and allow them to live comfortably in retirement. This should include revisiting the current contributory pension scheme and exploring alternatives that offer greater financial security.

3. Prioritize and expedite the provision of modern equipment, adequate housing, and comprehensive healthcare facilities for all police personnel and their families.

4. Establish a transparent and accountable welfare department dedicated to addressing the needs of police officers and their families, both serving and retired, with regular updates and feedback mechanisms.

5. A comprehensive group life insurance policy is taken out for serving police officers in case of death in the course of policing service.

6. The issue of police uniforms, gadgets, and stationery should be issued only from the official police stores and not sold on the streets by civilians.

The continued neglect of police welfare is a stain on our national conscience and a significant impediment to effective policing. It is high time that our police officers are treated with the respect, dignity, and care they deserve. Their well-being is intrinsically linked to the security and stability of our nation. Let’s not imagine them using their training and expertise negatively for lack of basic amenities of life.

I expect to see a demonstrable commitment to addressing these critical issues with the urgency and seriousness they demand. Failure to act decisively will only further erode public confidence and perpetuate the cycle of hardship and inefficiency within the force. Our police force deserves better, and the community deserves a well-supported and effective police service. I implore you to prioritize this issue and take decisive steps to ensure that our officers are treated with the dignity and respect they have earned. The recent protests by retired police officers highlight the urgent need for reform. I hope you will take immediate action to address these concerns.

In concluding I state that, the Nigeria Police Force is an institution established under Section 214; of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and should be treated as such because it has constitutional powers.

It Is the backbone of our nation’s security, and it is imperative that police officers are treated with dignity and respect. I beseech you to take immediate action to address these concerns and ensure that serving and retired police officers receive the welfare packages they deserve. I make the following submissions and recommendations:-

1. Increase in Police Budget: Embark on a yearly requisition to the Federal Government and lobbying the National Assembly for an increase in the Nigeria Police Force Budget by making appropriate representations and advocacy.

2. Immediate Review of Pension Scheme: I implore you to revisit the contributory pension scheme and consider transitioning to a defined benefit scheme or enhancing benefits within the existing framework.

3. Increased Pension and Gratuity: Pensions and gratuities should be commensurate with officers’ service years and final salaries and at par with, or higher that other law enforcement agencies comparable with international policing standards.

4. Improved Working Conditions: Serving officers deserve better working conditions, including modern equipment, adequate training, housing, and career advancement opportunities.

5. Welfare Package: A comprehensive welfare package should be implemented to support officers and their families. Entering into a joint venture between the Federal Housing Authority and the Nigeria Police, for the provision affordable social housing for serving and retired officers in all states in Nigeria including the FCT.

6. Exterminate Corruption: Corrupt officers must be identified, penalized and removed from the Nigeria Police Force. Anti-Corruption training must be a continuous and ongoing process. There should be mandatory training and re-training.

7. Capacity Building and Development: Police officers should receive training, capacity building, and development support to enhance their skills and performance.

8. Health And Mental Support: Provision of health services, including regular medical check-ups and physical fitness programs and regular access to mental health services, including counselling and stress management programs, especially for those that handle weapons.

9. Work-Life Balanced Environment: the introduction of Policies that promote a healthy work-life balance, including reasonable working hours and time off and the provision of adequate measures to ensure the physical safety of police officers while on duty. And also creating a culture of respect, inclusivity, and support within police institution.

10. Pre-Retirement Training: The provision of vocational training in preparation for retirement to acquire skills that would enable retirees to integrate into civilian life, and get themselves engaged in meaningful businesses and vocations.

The World Internal Security & Police Index (WISPI) assesses police systems globally, providing insights into effective policing practices. Some countries with high Police Welfare Standards are Norway, Sweden, France, Netherlands, Canada, Germany, China, Japan, Singapore, Rwanda, Senegal, Egypt, Ethiopia, South Africa, Botswana etc.

These countries typically invest in their law enforcement personnel, recognizing the importance of welfare for effective policing and community relations. Nigeria can and should take something home from some of these countries.

I thank you for your attention to this urgent, pertinent and embarrassing matter. I look forward to seeing meaningful changes implemented promptly. Lease do not hesitate to contact me should you require any further information on this matter.

Do accept my sincere assurances of the highest esteem and regards. I remain loyal. Thank you.

Yours Faithfully,

Mohammed I. TSAV Esq.,

PP: M. I. TSAV & CO.

CC:

1. The President,

House of Senate,

National Assembly,

2. The National Security Adviser,

3. The Hon. Attorney-General of the Federation,

4. The Chairman,

Police Service Commission,

5. The Chairman,

Senate Committee on Police Affairs,

6. The Chairman,

The House Committee on Police Affairs