Promotion Exams Crucial for Restoring Police Credibility — "If You Fail, You Fail," Says PSC -

The Police Service Commission (PSC) today continued its compulsory promotion examination for senior police officers, emphasizing its commitment to merit-based advancement within the Nigeria Police Force.

A total of 630 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), recommended for promotion to the rank of Superintendent, participated in the written examination held at the Commission’s Parry Osayande Auditorium, Corporate Headquarters, Jabi, Abuja.

Declaring the examination open, Hon. Justice Paul Adamu Galumje (Rtd), Commissioner representing the Judiciary at the Commission, reaffirmed the PSC’s dedication to fostering professional growth. He encouraged officers to continuously seek knowledge and enhance their intellectual capacity for more effective service delivery.

“Going forward, your performance in these exams will determine your career progression,” Justice Galumje stated.

Also addressing the candidates, DIG Taiwo Lakanu (Rtd), fdc, Chairman of the Commission’s Standing Committee on Police Matters, stressed the importance of the promotion exams in restoring public trust in the Force.

“There is a systemic rot in the Force. We’re no longer accorded the respect we deserve, partly because the Police has been the only security agency without a structured promotion exam. That’s changing now. If you fail, you fail — and we’ll keep conducting these exams because it’s essential to the image and credibility of the institution,” DIG Lakanu emphasized.

He issued a stern warning against bribery, stating unequivocally: “Do not offer money to any staff of the Commission. If caught, you will be disqualified. Don’t embarrass us — no one can help you bypass this process.”

The promotion process will continue next week with examinations and interviews for officers in the Commissioner cadre. A plenary meeting of the Commission is scheduled for later this month to deliberate further on the promotion outcomes.

Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (Rtd), mni, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that all promotions within the Nigeria Police are timely, transparent, credible, and strictly based on merit.

“Promotions must be earned and justified. This examination process will enhance the credibility of newly promoted officers and restore dignity to the rank they wear,” DIG Argungu said.

He concluded by stating, “The Police Force we envision is one where officers can deliver effectively with minimal supervision and without undue influence.”