Race to succeed IGP Egbetokun heats up amid uncertainty over retirement

As Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun nears his scheduled retirement on September 4, the competition to succeed him has intensified. Egbetokun, appointed on June 19 last year, faces uncertainty due to a recent amendment to the Police Act that could extend his tenure beyond 60 years of age.

The amendment, passed by the National Assembly in July 2024, would allow the President to extend the IGP’s term, but the bill has yet to be signed into law by President Tinubu, who is currently in France.

With the amendment in limbo, high-ranking officers from the ranks of Commissioners of Police (CPs), Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs), and Deputy Inspectors-General (DIGs) are lobbying for the top position.

If the amendment is not signed, Egbetokun will retire as planned. However, if it is enacted, his tenure could be extended, though debate remains over whether the amendment should apply retroactively to Egbetokun.

The situation has sparked concerns among senior police officers that a tenure extension could disrupt career progression and lead to increased lobbying for positions.

The decision now rests with President Tinubu, whose choice will shape the future of the Nigeria Police Force.

READ ALSO: National Assembly passes bill allowing Egbetokun to stay beyond Sept

Officers from the ranks of Commissioners of Police (CPs), Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs), and Deputy Inspectors-General (DIGs) are now lobbying intensely for the top position.

Sources within the police indicate that if the president does not sign the amendment, Egbetokun will be required to retire as scheduled.

On the other hand, if the amendment is signed into law, the president could extend Egbetokun’s tenure.

However, there is ongoing debate about whether the amendment should be applied retroactively to Egbetokun.

There are eight DIGs, 46 AIGs, and 125 CPs, with four DIGs set to retire between September and December.

Unconfirmed reports have it that the retirement dates for the DIGs are as follows: Bala Ciroma (March 3, 2025); Emeka Frank Mba (May 18, 2027); Sylvester Abiodun Alabi (December 31, 2024); Daniel Sokari-Pedro (December 18, 2024); Ede Ayuba Ekpeji (October 21, 2024); Bello Makwashi Maradun (December 25, 2024); Dasuki Danbappa Galadanchi (March 3, 2025); and Sahabo Abubakar Yahaya (September 15, 2025).

Egbetokun’s future hinges on the President’s decision regarding the amendment.

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The amendment, which adds Section 18(8A) to the Nigeria Police Act 2020, states “that any person appointed as IGP shall remain in office until the end of the term stipulated in their appointment letter, as per Section 7(6) of the Act.”

Despite the President’s silence on the bill, senior police officers, including DIGs, AIGs, and CPs, have begun lobbying for the position in anticipation of a potential overhaul of the Nigeria Police Force structure.

Sources indicate that some officers are concerned that extending Egbetokun’s tenure might impede their career progression.

They argue that tenure extensions close to retirement could distort the system and increase lobbying and desperation for positions, regardless of merit.