No Special Promotions In Police Force — PSC

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has clarified that there is no place for special promotions for the officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

This came as a result of media reports that the chief of staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, had written to the commission requesting special promotion for eight police officers attached to politicians.

In an exclusive interview with LEADERSHIP Sunday in Abuja yesterday, the spokesman of the PSC, Torty Njoku Kalu, denied knowledge of the alleged letter from the chief of staff.

He said, “I must tell you that there is no such letter from the chief of staff to the president to the commission for special promotions for anyone. I can tell you authoritatively that there is no such thing as special promotions for police officers.”

In September 2024, the commission officially abolished special promotions in the police force, stating that advancement is now strictly based on a transparent, merit-based framework, requiring officers to pass prescribed examinations and meet all basic career requirements without exceptions.

PSC chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd.), declared that the commission would no longer serve as a rubber stamp for irregular “special” promotions, noting that the practice did not align with global policing standards. Promotions are strictly tied to years of service, discipline, competence, and performance, he said.

The PSC spokesman said what the PSC does for outstanding rewards is accelerated promotion which is what is obtainable in civil service and aligns with international standards.

Earlier in the day, there were reports that the chief of staff had made the special promotions request in two separate letters seeking special promotions promotion for officers attached to the president and other top government officials.