The Nigeria Police Force has released more than 50 employees who were held after filing a complaint over not receiving their six months’ worth of unpaid wage arrears under the new remuneration system President Muhammadu Buhari established for the Force in 2021.
One of the victims, who said the officers had all gone back to their commands on Tuesday, confirmed this to SaharaReporters.
“I am here to inform you that those, who were arrested and detained at Abuja because of salary arrears, have been released to report back to their various commands,” the source told SaharaReporters.
The police officers’ detention in Abuja was covered by reporters, along with complaints from others that the government was withholding their pay on a monthly basis without justification.
Meanwhile, a new wage structure was authorized by President Buhari in 2021. The Force was authorized by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The agreed police salary system, whose implementation was intended to begin in January 2022, instead began in July 2022 with only one month’s worth of arrears and six months still owing.
But according to the police authorities, they claimed that the Nigerian government had not released the funds for the payment.
The police authorities in a wireless message referenced DTO: 201220/09/2022 from NIGPOL PAB FHQ Abuja to various police formations in Nigeria and titled: “INGENPOL SEC/NIGPOL ADMIN/DFA/DIA ABUJA PAYMECH/ACCOUNTPOL ALL STATES”, which was obtained by SaharaReporters said the finance ministry would have to approve the funds.
It stated that the payment would be done through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
The wireless further went on to read: “CV:3940/PB/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.46/5 salary arrangement, 20% reviewed Consolidated Police Salary Structure (CONPOSS) WEF January 2022. Implementation commenced in the month of July 2022 with six (6) months outstanding salary differential (I.E January – June 2022).
“INGENPOL direct you lecture officers and men yours on personnel cost that IPPIS Unit of the Office of the Account General of the Federation (OAGF) has the sole responsibility of police personnel cost fund and payment of police personnel salaries respectively. It should be clarified that neither INGENPOL nor NIGPOL PAB has any dealing with the already existing structure.
“However, because salary is welfare in nature, the force follow-up with IPPIS to ensure police personnel get their emoluments as at when due. For the six (6) months’ salary arrears differential, IPPIS is in possession of the approval, awaiting administrative procedures for cash-backing by Federal Ministry of Finance. After which payment will be effected. Any information contrary to this should be ignored and regarded as fake-news.”
“Ensure you properly warn all personnel serving yours on strict compliance as any violation will attract disciplinary actions. Treat as matter of urgency and very important please,” the message further read.
