The PSC terminates special promotion scheme for police officers
On Tuesday, the Police Service Commission (PSC) announced the discontinuation of special promotions within the Nigeria Police Force. This decision was conveyed by the Commission’s Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu (retd.), during a meeting with a delegation from the Association of Retired Police Officers of Nigeria in Abuja.
According to a statement from the PSC’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, Argungu emphasized that the Commission will no longer serve as a mere rubber stamp for irregular promotion practices within the Nigeria Police Force. He stated that promotions would now be based strictly on merit, which includes passing the required examinations and meeting other fundamental criteria.
Argungu highlighted that special promotions are not a global standard and asserted that the Commission under his leadership will not support such practices. While acknowledging that the law allows for accelerated promotion in cases of exceptional performance, he stressed that this process would be carefully managed to prevent misuse.
The Chairman further explained that future promotions would be determined by merit through written examinations and interviews, with seniority no longer playing a role in the promotion process. Officers who fail the promotion exams will remain at their current rank, and repeated failures could lead to retirement for incompetence.
DIG Argungu reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to upholding these new standards and expressed his dedication to the Nigeria Police Force, noting that his service and retirement as a Deputy Inspector General had instilled a deep commitment to the institution. He stressed the importance of integrity within the police force and pledged to maintain high standards in his role at the PSC.
Earlier, AIG Paul Ochonu (retd.), Chairman of the Association, had expressed the association’s support and loyalty to the PSC’s leadership. He noted the association’s satisfaction with having former police officers in key positions, such as the National Security Adviser and the Chairman of the PSC, and expressed hope for collaborative efforts with the Inspector General of Police.
