The Police Service Commission (PSC) has officially abolished the practice of granting special promotions within the Nigeria Police Force, a move aimed at ensuring that promotions are based strictly on merit.
This decision was announced on Tuesday by the Chairman of the PSC, retired Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Hashimu Argungu, during a meeting with the executive members of the Association of Retired Police Officers of Nigeria in Abuja.
In a statement released by the PSC’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, DIG Argungu emphasized that the commission would no longer serve as a “rubber stamp” for the irregular practice of special promotions.
“Special promotions are henceforth abolished in the Nigeria Police Force,” he declared.
The PSC Chairman made it clear that going forward, promotions within the force will be determined by the successful completion of prescribed examinations and other essential requirements.
“Merit, based on the passing of the prescribed examination and other basic requirements, will now count in the promotion of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force,” he explained.
Argungu also noted that the concept of special promotions is not recognized anywhere in the world and would not be supported under his leadership. However, he acknowledged that the law permits accelerated promotions for officers who demonstrate exceptional skill in their duties. He assured that this would be done cautiously to prevent abuse.
“Promotion will now be on merit, and there will be written examinations and interviews,” Argungu reiterated.
He also stated that seniority would no longer be a significant factor in promotions.
“Seniority is now irrelevant in modern-day policing. Any officer who fails the promotion examination will remain on the same rank, and if he fails three times, he will be retired at that level for incompetence,” he said.
The PSC Chairman stressed that the commission would no longer promote officers who could not pass the required examinations. He called for the support of retired police officers, noting that their experience would be invaluable as the commission moves in this new direction.
Expressing his pride in the Nigeria Police Force, which he served until his retirement as a Deputy Inspector General, Argungu vowed not to let the institution down.
“A policeman is like Caesar’s wife and should be above suspicion. It is country first. If I die and have to come back, I will still want to be a policeman. Police are the jack of all trades and masters of all. I will not fail that institution, and I will also not fail the PSC. I will do my best not to put the two institutions to shame,” he affirmed.
In response, the Chairman of the Association of Retired Police Officers, retired Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Paul Ochonu, expressed the association’s full support for the PSC’s new leadership.
He remarked, “We came to extend our hand of fellowship to the commission and pledge our unalloyed loyalty to its leadership.”
Ochonu further mentioned that the association was pleased when both the National Security Adviser and the Chairman of the PSC were chosen from among the police ranks, expressing hope that they would establish a strong working relationship with the Inspector General of Police.