Police Service Commission ends special promotions, ushers in merit-based reforms

In a decisive move to enhance transparency and fairness within the Nigeria Police Force, the Police Service Commission (PSC) has officially abolished the practice of special promotions.

This reform, aimed at fostering a merit-based system, was announced by the PSC Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu (retd.), during a meeting with the Association of Retired Police Officers of Nigeria in Abuja.

The decision marks a significant shift in how promotions within the police force will be handled. Under the new guidelines, promotions will strictly be based on merit, requiring officers to pass prescribed examinations and meet other essential criteria.

This approach is intended to eliminate the longstanding issues of favoritism and irregular advancements that have plagued the force.

Ikechukwu Ani, the PSC’s Head of Press and Public Relations, conveyed the chairman’s firm stance in a statement: “Special promotions are henceforth abolished in the Nigeria Police Force. Promotions will now be contingent on passing the prescribed examination and fulfilling basic requirements.”

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Argungu emphasized that the concept of special promotions is virtually nonexistent in global policing standards.

While the law does provide for accelerated promotions for exceptional officers, Argungu noted that such promotions would be granted sparingly and judiciously to prevent misuse and uphold the integrity of the process.

Promotions in the Nigeria Police Force will now be determined through a combination of merit, written examinations, and interviews, rendering traditional seniority less significant.

The PSC Chairman also issued a stern warning to officers: “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.”

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This policy shift is widely viewed as a critical step towards reforming the Nigeria Police Force by instilling a culture of meritocracy and transparency. By abolishing special promotions, the PSC aims to ensure that advancements within the force are earned through individual performance and merit, rather than through connections or favoritism.

The move is expected to encourage a more professional and competent police force, aligning with global best practices and restoring public confidence in the institution.