PSC Clarifies Stance on IGP’s Tenure, Denies Retirement Directive

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has categorically stated that it lacks constitutional authority to determine the appointment or retirement of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun. The commission made this clarification following speculation surrounding its recent directive concerning police officers who have exceeded 35 years in service or reached the statutory age of 60.
In a formal statement signed by its spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani, the commission emphasized that its jurisdiction does not extend to the IGP, whose appointment and tenure are exclusively within the purview of the President and the Police Council.
“The Police Service Commission, as one of the Federal Executive Bodies established under Section 153(m) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), derives its mandate from Paragraph 30, Part 1 of the Third Schedule to the Constitution and Clause 6(1) of the Police Service Commission (Establishment) Act, 2001. These legal provisions empower the commission to oversee the appointment, promotion, dismissal, and disciplinary control of officers within the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), excluding the Inspector-General of Police,” the statement read.
The commission reiterated that its recent extraordinary meeting held on January 31, 2025, was strictly focused on reviewing and regularizing the date of first appointment for Cadet ASPs and Inspector Force entrants. It stressed that this administrative decision had no bearing on the status or tenure of the Inspector-General of Police.
During its deliberations, the commission revisited its September 27–28, 2017, decision concerning Cadet appointments and concluded that aligning an officer’s official date of entry with the date of enlistment into the force contradicted the principles governing merger of service in the Public Service.
“It was observed that the initial ruling conflicted with Public Service Rule No. 020908 (i & ii), which stipulates that retirement should occur either upon completing 35 years in service or attaining the age of 60. Consequently, the commission set aside its previous decision to ensure strict adherence to existing service regulations.”
The Police Service Commission affirmed that it remains fully satisfied with the scope of its constitutional responsibilities and has no intention of seeking expanded powers beyond what the law provides. It further emphasized its harmonious working relationship with the Inspector-General of Police, reiterating its commitment to supporting the Nigeria Police Force in fulfilling its constitutional mandate of ensuring national security and public order.
The commission concluded by reaffirming its dedication to upholding due process and ensuring efficiency in police personnel administration, while respecting the legal boundaries of its authority.