The Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), announced today that special promotions have been abolished in the Nigeria Police Force. This decision was revealed during a meeting with the executive members of the Association of Retired Police Officers of Nigeria on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.
DIG Argungu emphasized that the PSC would no longer endorse special promotions, which he described as an “irregular means of promotion.” He declared that moving forward, promotions within the force would be based strictly on merit, requiring officers to pass prescribed examinations and meet other basic requirements. “There is nothing like special promotion anywhere around the world,” Argungu stated, adding that the Commission “will not encourage it.”
However, he noted that the law allows for accelerated promotion for officers who demonstrate exceptional skill in their duties, but cautioned that this would be applied judiciously to prevent abuse. “Promotion will now be on merit, and there will be a written examination and interview,” he said. Argungu also clarified that seniority would no longer be a primary factor in promotions, asserting that “any officer who fails promotion examination will remain on the same rank and if he fails three times, he will be retired at that level for incompetence.”
The PSC Chairman also called for support from retired police officers, acknowledging that their experience would be valuable in this new direction for the police force.
In response, AIG Paul Ochonu (rtd), Chairman of the Association of Retired Police Officers of Nigeria, expressed his support for the PSC’s new direction. He urged the PSC Chairman to foster a strong partnership with the Nigeria Police High Command and the Office of the National Security Adviser, stating that “the trio, working as a team, was capable of getting the best for the Nigeria Police Force.” Ochonu further emphasized that a united front among these agencies would greatly benefit both the police force and the general public.