PSC ends special promotions, Argungu says elevations must be earned

Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), retired Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Hashimu Argungu, announced on Tuesday that special promotions within the Nigeria Police Force were officially abolished.

In a statement, PSC Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, said this announcement was made during a meeting with the executive members of the Association of Retired Police Officers of Nigeria on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.

Argungu, accompanied by DIG Taiwo Lakanu (retd), a Commissioner in the Commission, emphasized that the PSC will no longer serve as a “rubber stamp” for irregular promotion practices.

Argungu declared that promotions would now be strictly based on merit, requiring officers to pass prescribed examinations and meet other essential criteria.

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He pointed out that the concept of special promotions did not exist globally, and the PSC under his leadership would not support such practices.

While the law permits accelerated promotions for officers demonstrating exceptional performance, Argungu said that this would be closely regulated to prevent abuse.

“Promotion will now be on merit, with written examinations and interviews as the standard,” Argungu stated, adding that seniority alone would no longer be a determining factor in modern policing.

“Officers who fail the promotion examinations will remain at their current rank, and those who fail three times will face retirement due to incompetence,” he said.

Argungu called for support from retired officers, highlighting the value of their experience in this new merit-based system.

He expressed pride in his service with the Nigeria Police Force and reiterated his commitment to maintaining the integrity of both the Force and the PSC.

“A policeman is like Caesar’s wife and should be above suspicion; it is country first,” Argungu said.

“If I die and have to come back, I will still want to be a policeman. Police is jack of all trade and master of all; I will not fail that institution, and I will also not fail the PSC,” he added.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Association, AIG Paul Ochonu (retd), pledged the Association’s support for the PSC’s leadership, expressing hope for a strong partnership between the PSC, the Police Force, and the Office of the National Security Adviser.

He encouraged Argungu to foster a collaborative and progressive relationship with the Nigeria Police High Command, which would benefit the agencies and enhance public confidence.

Ochonu also called for a cohesive strategy among the heads of the Police, the PSC, and the National Security Adviser to advocate effectively for the Force’s interests at the federal level