In a statement issued on Monday by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, RULAAC said many officers are being subjected to “untold hardship” due to recurring delays and restrictions on their salary withdrawals.
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called on the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the management of the police to urgently address the challenges confronting officers in accessing their salaries through the Police Microfinance Bank.
In a statement issued on Monday by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, RULAAC said many officers are being subjected to “untold hardship” due to recurring delays and restrictions on their salary withdrawals.
According to RULAAC, while the Nigerian government disburses salaries promptly at the end of every month, officers getting their salaries through Police Microfinance Bank are often unable to access their earnings until the second week of the following month.
“Many officers were compelled to domicile their accounts with the Police Microfinance Bank, with the assurance that it would serve their interests better. Unfortunately, the opposite has been the case,” Nwanguma stated.
Even when payment alerts are received, RULAAC said funds remain inaccessible unless officers physically visit the Police Microfinance Bank.
“The suspension of e-banking has compounded their plight, forcing officers, regardless of where they may be on special or hazardous assignments, to abandon duty posts and risk their lives just to fill forms and stand in long queues,” the RULAAC boss said.
“In many cases, after hours of waiting, they are still unable to withdraw their salaries and are compelled to return.
“Worse still, there are widespread complaints that some officers are coerced into offering bribes to bank staff before they can access their legitimately earned salaries,” he added.
RULAAC further alleged that some bank staff exploit the situation, extorting officers who are desperate to access their own salaries.
“This situation has made life unnecessarily difficult for our officers who are already serving under challenging conditions, further dampening morale and exposing them to indignity,” Nwanguma said.
The human rights advocacy group called on the IGP to urgently intervene by restoring e-banking services, investigating misconduct by bank staff, and ensuring an efficient and transparent system that truly prioritises the welfare of officers.
“We therefore respectfully appeal to the Inspector General of Police and the management of the Nigeria Police Force to urgently intervene.”
The Police Microfinance Bank was established in 1993 with the aim of providing financial services to police personnel and their families.
It was envisioned as a welfare-driven institution to improve the living standards of officers, many of whom face significant economic challenges due to modest salaries and the demanding nature of their work.
Over the years, however, the bank has faced criticisms of inefficiency, weak infrastructure, and poor service delivery.
The suspension of electronic banking services, according to stakeholders, has worsened matters by forcing officers to rely solely on physical transactions, a system that has proven stressful and vulnerable to abuse.
Nigeria’s police officers, who are often deployed in difficult security operations across the country, have repeatedly raised concerns over welfare issues, including poor accommodation, delayed promotions, and inadequate insurance benefits.
Analysts warn that such welfare gaps undermine morale and discipline in the Force, and could indirectly affect operational effectiveness.
RULAAC called on the IGP to intervene in order to urgently, “Restore e-banking services to ensure that officers can access their salaries without undue stress, delay, or risk exposure.
“Investigate and sanction any misconduct by bank officials found extorting officers.
“Ensure a transparent, efficient, and accountable banking system that truly serves the welfare of officers.”
Nwanguma stressed that police officers deserve to be treated with dignity, and should not be subjected to avoidable suffering in the process of accessing their lawful earnings.
“Restoring smooth and modern banking services will go a long way to improve morale, reduce frustration, and enhance overall productivity and discipline within the Force,” he noted.