PSC Reaffirms Commitment to Merit-Based Promotions in NPF

PSC Reaffirms Commitment to Merit-Based Promotions in NPF

By prince Benson Davies

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has responded to allegations of delayed promotions for inspectors who passed the 2025 Departmental Selection Board exercise, describing the claims as unsubstantiated and misleading. In a statement, the PSC reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, fairness, and merit-based promotions within the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). The Commission explained that promotions are governed by established guidelines and processed according to statutory timelines and resource availability.

The claim that promotions for these inspectors have been “stalled” while Senior Officers were elevated “within three weeks” is misleading and overlooks the distinct procedural tracks for different ranks. Senior-level promotions, often involving fewer candidates and streamlined reviews, may indeed proceed more swiftly due to their operational urgency. However, Inspector-Level promotions involve larger cohorts and additional layers of verification, including background checks, performance audits, and other considerations across states and commands. The 2025 DSB exercise, conducted in December 2025 as referenced in the police wireless message, was completed successfully, and processing is ongoing as per schedule. There is no evidence of undue delay; in fact, the PSC has accelerated efforts to finalize announcements in the coming few days, aligning with fiscal and administrative cycles.

Furthermore, suggestions of widespread demoralization, threats of early retirement, or erosion of Junior Officers’ confidence are speculative and not reflective of the broader sentiment within the Force. The Commission regularly engages with officers through official communication channels to address concerns. We have not received formal complaints from the affected officers via institutional channels, which raises questions about the anonymity-driven narrative in the report. Officers are advised to utilize established grievance procedures rather than relying on media outlets for resolution.

The PSC, under the leadership of Chairman, retired DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu, in collaboration with the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, remains committed to upholding the welfare and career progression of all NPF personnel. We have successfully promoted thousands of officers in recent years, including batches from similar cohorts, and will continue to do so without favoritism. Any perceived delays are often due to rigorous due diligence to ensure integrity and equity, not neglect.

We urge Sahara Reporters and other media outlets to verify facts with the PSC before publishing potentially divisive stories that could undermine public trust in our institutions.

For accurate information, members of the public and officers alike are invited to contact the PSC Public Affairs Section or visit our official website: www.psc.gov.ng.

The PSC will not be deterred from its mandate and assures all stakeholders of continued professionalism in service delivery.