Buhari approves new salary structure for police

IGP assures president of readiness for 2019 elections
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved an enhanced salary and allowance structure for men and women of the Nigeria Police.

He said the gesture would go a long way to boost the performance index of the personnel and strengthen Nigeria’s internal security system.

Also, he said his administration would continue to give attention to the welfare and operational needs of the Police Force with a view to restoring its lost primacy in the internal security framework of the country.

Buhari spoke yesterday when he granted audience to members of the Police Service Commission (PSC) and the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) at the Presidential Villa who were on a “Thank You” visit following his approval of rank salary structure adjustment by which salary, allowances and pensions of policemen would be increased.

In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, the President said the inability of the police in their constitutional role as the frontline force in the prevention of crimes had led to military involvement in the maintenance of law and order in the country.

He said: “From Taraba to Sokoto, to the South-South, people don’t feel secured until they see the military. I am pleased to make the increase in salary and allowances in the hope that it will increase the performance index of the police and strengthen Nigeria’s internal security system.”

However, the Full-time Commissioner in the Nigeria Police Service Commission, Justice Clara Ogunbiyi (rtd), who represented the Chairman, Musiliu Smith, had informed the President that the rank salary structure adjustment would enhance police welfare and morale.

Ogunbiyi said: “We are here on behalf of the PSC to appreciate the President Muhammadu Buhari for enhancing the welfare of the police.

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, who spoke on preparation for the 2019 general elections, said: “We are ready; we have gone round the country; we have conducted several by-elections, which obviously prepared us to face the main challenge next year.

“I am assuring all Nigerians that we are going to do our best next year.”