Abuja — Nigerian police officers have strongly opposed a welfare scheme introduced by the Nigeria Police Cooperative Multi-Purpose Society Ltd., alleging that it is designed to exploit junior officers. The scheme offers tricycles (Keke Napep) to officers at an inflated cost of N5.5 million, despite their actual market value being around N3.5 million.
Sources within the Nigeria Police Force told some Reporters on Thursday that the initiative is a means for top officials to profit at the expense of rank-and-file officers.
“All these are the handiwork of our authorities, always looking for ways to milk their subordinates. How on earth can any reasonable organization exploit its members all in the name of giving out tricycles at the rate of N5.5 million?” a police source lamented.
Overpriced Loans and Forced Deductions
The scheme, which is part of a supposed welfare initiative by Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, offers tricycles on loan to officers with monthly deductions of N90,000 from their salaries via the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) for a period of 60 months.
“The same Police Cooperative where all Inspector Generals of Police, past and present, withdraw millions without refunding it,” an officer alleged, pointing to a history of financial mismanagement.
A police wireless message dated March 12, 2025, directed all commands, units, and departments to inform officers about the scheme. Bulk Stalker Engineering Limited was identified as the supplier of various tricycle models, including tricycle trucks, trike pick-ups, TTI single cabins, tricycle taxis, TP7 models, and tricycle ambulances.
Officers Demand Accountability
Many officers have criticized the compulsory nature of the scheme, calling it an unfair burden on already underpaid personnel. “They want to milk their subordinates through the payment structure,” another officer said. “How can they sell a tricycle that costs N3.5 million for N5.5 million?”
With growing discontent among officers, there are calls for the Nigeria Police Cooperative to halt the initiative and ensure transparency in all welfare programs.
