Assessing The Nigeria Police Force’s Promotion System In Light Of Police Service Commission Guidelines

_By Adenike Aribisala_

The recent wave of accelerated promotions within the Nigeria Police Force has generated sparked controversies which have become subject of public interest. However, it is important to clarify that these advancements were made in accordance with the 2018 Police Service Commission (PSC) Guidelines on Appointment, Promotion, and Discipline.

Contrary to insinuations of favouritism or impropriety, the promotions reflect merit-based assessments, special commendations, and strict adherence to procedural requirements, including recommendations by the appropriate authorities and approval by the Police Service Commission.

The PSC Guidelines provide for accelerated promotions in exceptional cases, such as acts of gallantry, outstanding performance, or pressing service needs.

Given the dynamic security challenges facing the country, rewarding officers who demonstrate exceptional courage, leadership, and professionalism is not only justifiable but also necessary to boost morale and institutional efficiency.

The Nigeria Police Force, as one of the most critical institutions for maintaining law and order in the country, has ensured that its internal processes, particularly those concerning promotions, are rooted in fairness, transparency, and due process. The Force operates with specific policies and procedures, including merit-based assessments and recognition for outstanding service.

The Police Service Commission, which is responsible for formulating these policies and overseeing the promotion process, has also provided for accelerated promotions in cases of exceptional performance, in this case for officers who receive consecutive commendations.

Generally, an officer must spend at least six months in a rank before being considered for promotion.

According to the Police Service Commission Guidelines on Appointment, Promotion and Discipline in the Nigeria Police Force (Revised Edition, 2018), Section 2.9.3 (Purpose of Special Promotion), sub-section (vi) grants the Commission discretion to issue additional requirements for accelerated promotions.

This provision is not arbitrary; it is intended to foster stability, ensure adequate exposure in a role, and allow for objective assessment of an officer’s competence.

With respect to Section 2.9.3, sub-section (vi) of the 2018 PSC Guidelines, accelerated promotion may be granted after a minimum of six months in a rank, ensuring that officers have sufficient time to demonstrate leadership, commitment, and performance in their current capacities. It also gives superior officers the necessary window to assess an individual’s readiness for the responsibilities of a higher rank. Furthermore, it protects the integrity of the institution and sustains a merit-based progression system.

Adherence to the PSC Guidelines should not be seen as a mere formality but as a non-negotiable framework essential for the professional growth and institutional credibility of the Nigeria Police Force.

The recent accelerated promotion granted to some distinguished officers of the Nigeria Police Force was duly carried out in accordance with the 2018 PSC Guidelines which allows for special promotion in recognition of exceptional performance, bravery, and other vital criteria.

The promotion process, therefore, was not arbitrary but based on clearly established criteria, reinforcing the Commission’s commitment to merit-based advancement and professionalism within the Nigeria Police Force.

In my opinion, any officer who has spent at least six months in a rank has met the necessary safeguard to ensure professionalism and accountability within the police structure.

The recent claims by Sahara Reporters suggesting favouritism in the accelerated promotion of a female police officer are not only unfounded but deeply misleading.

It is disheartening to witness an attempt to diminish the hard-earned accomplishments of a dedicated officer whose commitment, courage, and excellence in service have rightfully earned her recognition. Her promotion is neither an anomaly nor an act of partiality—it is a testament to the merit-driven reforms currently guiding career progression within the Nigeria Police Force.

This officer’s elevation is one among many, reflecting a broader policy of fairness, inclusivity, and excellence that spans all ranks, regions, and genders. Reducing her success to mere favouritism undermines the very principles of merit and dedication that we must continue to uphold and celebrate.

The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of IGP Kayode Egbetokun, remains committed to transparency, fairness, and professionalism in its promotion processes. Attempting to politicize or malign individual officers for personal or media gain undermines the morale of hardworking personnel and distracts from the ongoing reforms under the current leadership.

Adenike Aribisala writes from Ibadan, Oyo State