By Adewole Kehinde
“We cannot insure success, but we can deserve it.”—John Adams
From its colonial beginnings to the present, the Nigeria Police Force’s promotion history is a complex interaction of social, political, and economic variables, with the Police Service Commission (PSC) playing a key role.
The 1960 Independence Constitution established the Police Service Commission (PSC) to oversee personnel matters, including promotions, of the Nigeria Police Force.
The PSC’s role was to ensure that promotions were based on merit and seniority, rather than political influence.
However, during periods of military rule, the PSC was often sidelined, leading to promotions based on political considerations.
Promotion, in simple language, is the advancement of an employee to a higher position within the organisation.
This involves advancing an employee to a higher position, typically with increased responsibilities, status, and salary.
There is no doubt that personnel who are promoted are motivated and engaged in their work, leading to higher productivity.
Also, promotions often encourage personnel to develop their skills and competencies, benefiting both the individual and the Force.
Promotion serves as a form of recognition for hard work and contributions, enhancing job satisfaction and loyalty.
Overall, promoted personnel may feel a greater sense of responsibility and ownership, leading to enhanced performance in their new beat.
In April 2024, 10,581 policemen and women of inspector cadre and other ranks were promoted in a major exercise aimed at boosting the morale of the Nigeria Police.
The breakdown of the list shows that 9,831 Police Constables were promoted to the rank of Corporal, 81 Corporals advanced to the rank of Sergeant, while 669 officers progressed from the rank of Sergeant to Inspector.Â
The PSC continues to play a vital role in the promotion of police officers, ensuring that promotions are based on merit, seniority, and other relevant factors.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) makes recommendations to the PSC, which then considers and approves promotions.
The PSC also sets guidelines for promotion courses and examinations, ensuring that officers are adequately trained and qualified for higher ranks.
Recent developments include the abolition of special promotions and the emphasis on merit-based promotions through written examinations.
The PSC has also been actively involved in promoting senior police officers, as evidenced by recent promotions of officers to various ranks.
I recalled that IGP Kayode Egbetokun said deserving police personnel will always receive their promotion based solely on merit.
While emphasising the zeal of the Police leadership to foster a culture of meritocracy and career advancement, he reiterated the pivotal role of timely promotions in enhancing the morale of officers and bolstering the overall effectiveness of the Force, noting that it serves as a cornerstone in sustaining the ongoing manpower development initiatives.
Similarly, aside from the promotions of DIGs, as of Tuesday, March 18th, 2025, over 219 senior Police Officers have been promoted to different ranks.
Since the inception of the current police administration under IGP Egbetokun, the Force has been committed to the standardisation of the promotion process within the Force.
The current promotion exercise, like those preceding it under his administration, adheres strictly to the fundamental principles of seniority and merit.
Since the IGP reaffirmed that the promotion process will continue to be transparent and fair to all officers, he has not departed from the affirmation.
There is no officer eligible for a promotion that has been denied their rightful advancement.
As the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun decorates the newly promoted officers soon, I must commend him, his management team and the entire police force for upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and service to the nation.
Adewole Kehinde is a public affairs analyst based in Abuja. 08166240846. kennyadewole@gmail.com
