The National Industrial Court of Nigeria has mandated the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Nigeria Police Service Commission to pay Police Constabularies nearly four years of salary arrears dating back to 2021.
In a ruling delivered by Justice Rakiya Haastrup, each Constabulary is to receive N54,566 per month from January 2021 through May 2024. The decision came after a lawsuit filed by the Constabularies against the IGP and the Police Service Commission.
In addition to the salary payments, the Judge ordered that the Constabularies be issued letters of employment and certificates of engagement. This directive follows their training, provision of uniforms and boots, and lawful deployment across various states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The suit was brought forth by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Senastine Hon, representing the Constabularies. They claimed that despite their dedicated service in community policing and intelligence gathering over the past four years, the police had failed to pay them their agreed monthly stipends.
The plaintiffs argued against police assertions that their service was voluntary, presenting documents showing that at the time of their engagement, they were promised stipends equivalent to the basic allowance of a Constable in the Nigeria Police Force. They contended that the police’s refusal to pay these stipends had jeopardized their livelihoods, making it difficult for them to meet basic needs. Tragically, seven members have reportedly died due to the hazardous nature of their work.
Justice Rakiya Haastrup ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, affirming that a contractual employment relationship existed between them and the police. She stated that, based on this agreement, the Constabularies are entitled to the monthly stipends for their work. Although the police did not specify the exact amount to be paid, the Judge determined that the plaintiffs should receive the basic allowance of N54,655 monthly until the IGP sets a definitive amount.
Furthermore, the Judge instructed the IGP to establish the appropriate monthly allowance for the Constabularies within two months of the judgment and ordered that they be issued letters of appointment, recognizing their training, equipment, and deployment.
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