Police Service Commission ends special promotions, introduces new merit-based system.
The Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), DIG Hashimu Argungu (Retd.), mni, announced today, Tuesday, September 3, 2024, that special promotions in the Nigeria Police Force have been abolished. The announcement was made during a meeting with a delegation from the Association of Retired Police Officers of Nigeria. DIG Taiwo Lakanu (Retd.), Honourable Commissioner of the PSC, was also present at the meeting.
The Police Service Commission ends special promotions, signaling a significant shift in the promotion process within the Nigeria Police Force. DIG Argungu stated that the Commission will no longer act as a “rubber stamp” for irregular promotion practices within the Nigeria Police Force. Moving forward, promotions will be strictly merit-based, requiring officers to pass prescribed examinations and meet other necessary criteria.
“There is no such thing as ‘special promotion’ anywhere in the world,” Argungu emphasized. “Under my leadership, the Commission will not support such practices.”
He clarified that while the law does permit accelerated promotions for officers demonstrating exceptional performance in their duties, such promotions will be carefully regulated to prevent misuse.
Argungu further explained, “Promotion will now be based on merit, with a written examination and interview process. Seniority alone is no longer relevant in modern policing. Any officer who fails the promotion examination will remain at their current rank, and after three failed attempts, will be retired for incompetence.”
The PSC Chairman called for the support of retired police officers, recognizing the value of their experience in guiding this new direction. He expressed pride in the Nigeria Police Force, in which he served and retired as a Deputy Inspector General, and vowed never to let the institution down.
“A policeman should be above suspicion, like Caesar’s wife. It is country first,” Argungu stated. “If I were to die and come back, I would still choose to be a policeman. The police are jack of all trades and master of all; I will not fail this institution or the PSC.”
AIG Paul Ochonu (Retd.), Chairman of the Association of Retired Police Officers, earlier expressed the Association’s full support for the PSC’s leadership. “We are here to extend our hand of fellowship and pledge our unwavering loyalty,” he said.
Ochonu also highlighted the Association’s optimism upon learning that both the National Security Adviser and the Chairman of the PSC are former police officers. “The collaboration between these three roles could significantly enhance the effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force,” he noted.
He urged the PSC Chairman to establish a positive, progressive partnership with the Nigeria Police High Command, suggesting that such a relationship would benefit both agencies and enhance public trust and satisfaction.
Ochonu further recommended fostering a strong working synergy between the heads of the Police Force, the PSC, and the Office of the National Security Adviser, stating that, “The Nigeria Police Force and its personnel stand to benefit immensely when the three of you jointly advocate for it on any issue to the Federal Government.”
Ikechukwu Ani
Head, Press and Public Relations
Tuesday, September 3, 2024
