By Adewole Kehinde
“Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don’t quit.” – Conrad Hilton
IGP Kayode Egbetokun deserves hearty commendation for his sweeping promotion drive across both junior and senior ranks of the Nigeria Police Force.
His actions, marked by scale, fairness, and alignment with reformative intent, reflect commendable leadership and a genuine commitment to institutional renewal.
On April 5, 2024, IGP Egbetokun approved the promotion of 10,581 junior officers, including 9,831 police constables elevated to corporal, 81 corporals promoted to sergeant, and 669 sergeants elevated to inspector.
This bold and timely move sought to boost morale, reinforce career progression, and reinforce a merit-based culture, foundations essential to sustaining manpower development and operational effectiveness.
In late March 2025, the IGP presided over a decoration ceremony for 20 Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs) and 19 Commissioners of Police (CPs), reinforcing leadership continuity and strategic focus within the Force.
Earlier in June 2023, as acting IGP, he had also decorated 38 senior police officers, including newly promoted DIGs, AIGs, and CPs, signalling early support for meritocracy and professionalism.
On Monday, 28th July 2025, the IGP presided over a decoration ceremony for 12 Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs) and 16 Commissioners of Police (CPs), stating that timely and merit-based promotions are not only a morale booster but also a crucial tool for institutional growth.
“Our promotion system today is firmly anchored on fairness and performance, the IGP stated.
Since assuming office, IGP Egbetokun has repeatedly emphasised that promotions must be strictly merit-based. In August 2023, he declared, “Promotion in the police will be merit‑based. There will be no special promotion…you must merit it.” His promotion initiatives exemplify this principle in action.
These promotions addressed long-pending career stagnation, particularly impactful at junior levels, and provided a concrete reward for dedication and performance. For senior officers, it signalled recognition and trust in their leadership.
By elevating nearly 11,000 junior officers alongside dozens of senior leaders, this move contributes to building a disciplined, cohesive leadership pipeline that connects the rank‑and‑file with strategic command.
IGP Egbetokun’s promotion strategy is not just about numbers—it reflects deeper institutional reform. His insistence on meritocracy, alongside welfare initiatives and professional conduct standards, is consistent with a broader push to rebuild trust, professionalism, and operational capacity.
In an organisation historically plagued by nepotism, delay, and career stagnation, Kayode Egbetokun’s bold promotion drive stands out as a credible marker of reform. He did not merely approve incremental changes; he authourised massive, well‑structured, and transparent promotions at every level.
By doing so, he sent a clear message: professionalism and integrity will be rewarded. Officers, from constable to commissioner, who have served with dedication, now have renewed purpose and clearer career trajectories.
Moreover, by promoting senior leadership in lock‑step with junior ranks, he framed the effort as a holistic elevation of the Force’s culture and leadership quality.
IGP Kayode Egbetokun’s leadership on promotions is a case study in reform-minded public service management: leveraging large-scale opportunity, honouring merit, and setting professional standards.
His actions should serve as a model for other national institutions striving together for excellence and accountability.
Kudos to the IGP for this transformative initiative, a substantial step toward a stronger, more motivated, and more credible Nigeria Police Force.
Adewole Kehinde is a Public Affairs Analyst. 08166240846. kennyadewole@gmail.com @kennyadewole
