The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has drawn the attention of the Nigeria Police authorities to what it describes as the “untold hardship” many police officers face in accessing their salaries through the Police Microfinance Bank.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the organisation noted that officers were compelled to domicile their accounts with the Police Microfinance Bank on the assurance that it would better serve their interests. However, the reverse has been the case, as salaries paid promptly by the Federal Government at the end of every month remain inaccessible to officers until well into the second week of the following month.
“Even when alerts are eventually received, funds are often inaccessible except when officers physically visit the Bank,” the statement said.
According to RULAAC, the suspension of e-banking services has exacerbated the situation, forcing officers—regardless of their duty postings or hazardous assignments—to abandon their stations, fill out forms manually, and spend long hours in queues, often without success.
“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,” the organisation alleged.
The group warned that the development has further dampened morale within the Force and subjected personnel to unnecessary indignity.
RULAAC therefore called on the Inspector General of Police and the management of the Nigeria Police Force to urgently:
Restore e-banking services to ease access to salaries.
Investigate and sanction any misconduct by bank officials found extorting officers.
Ensure a transparent, efficient, and accountable banking system that truly serves officers’ welfare.
“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,” RULAAC stressed.
