The Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), has declared an end to “special promotions” within the Nigeria Police Force, emphasizing a new era of merit-based advancements.
Speaking on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, Argungu made it clear that promotions will now be determined by merit, requiring officers to pass prescribed examinations and meet basic requirements.
“There is nothing like special promotion anywhere around the world,” Argungu stated, adding that under his leadership, the PSC will not endorse irregular promotion practices.
He affirmed that “promotion will now be on merit and there will be written examinations and interviews.”
Argungu’s remarks came during a meeting with the executive members of the Association of Retired Police Officers of Nigeria.
He noted that while the law allows for accelerated promotions for officers who demonstrate exceptional performance, such promotions will be carefully regulated to avoid misuse.
“Seniority is now irrelevant in modern-day policing,” Argungu asserted. “Any officer who fails the promotion examination will remain on the same rank, and if he fails three times, he will be retired at that level for incompetence.”
He reiterated the Commission’s stance, stating, “The PSC will no longer promote officers who cannot pass prescribed written examinations.”
The PSC Chairman also called on retired police officers to support the Commission’s new direction, acknowledging the value of their experience.
He expressed pride in the Nigeria Police Force, where he served and retired as a Deputy Inspector General, and vowed not to disappoint the institution.
“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 trades and master of all; I will not fail that institution, and I will also not fail the PSC. I will do my best not to put the two institutions to shame.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the Association of Retired Police Officers of Nigeria, AIG Paul Ochonu (rtd), expressed the association’s loyalty to the Commission and its leadership.
Ochonu highlighted the significance of having former policemen in key positions, including the National Security Adviser and the Chairman of the PSC, and urged for a united front with the Inspector General of Police.
“The trio, working as a team, is capable of getting the best for the Nigeria Police Force,” Ochonu stated.
He encouraged Argungu to foster a positive and progressive partnership with the Nigeria Police High Command, emphasizing that such a relationship would benefit both the agencies and the general public.
DIG Argungu was accompanied by DIG Taiwo Lakanu (rtd), a Commissioner in the Commission, during the meeting.
