The Police Service Commission (PSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting compulsory promotion examinations for senior police officers as part of efforts to enhance professionalism, merit-based advancements, and the overall image of the Nigeria Police Force. The examinations, which resumed on Friday, September 19, 2025, at the Commission's Parry Osayande Auditorium in Jabi, Abuja, involved 630 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSP) recommended for promotion to the rank of Superintendents of Police.
The promotion process emphasizes credibility, transparency, and fairness, with a strong warning issued against any form of bribery or inducement. During the opening of the examinations, DIG Taiwo Lakanu (rtd), Chairman of the Commission's Standing Committee on Police Matters, addressed the officers directly: "Do not give money to any staff of the Commission. We will send you away if caught bribing our staff. Please don't embarrass us; don't give—our staff cannot help you." He further stressed the necessity of the exams in addressing systemic issues within the Force, stating, "We have decided to do exams; if you fail, you fail. We will continue to do the exams, and it will help the image of the Police Institution in the eyes of the public."
Justice Paul Adamu Galumje, a retired Justice of the Supreme Court and Honourable Commissioner representing the Judiciary, officially declared the examinations open. He underscored that future promotions would be contingent on performance in these assessments, urging officers to prioritize knowledge acquisition for effective service delivery.
PSC Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), mni, assured that the Commission will uphold the highest standards in the promotion process. "The Commission will continue to ensure that promotions in the Nigeria Police are timely, credible, transparent, and merit-based," he said. "Promotions must be earned and justifiable. The promotion examination for officers will give credibility and respect to officers wearing new ranks." He added that the envisioned police force should operate with minimal supervision and deliver services without undue influence.
On Thursday, September 18, 2025, over 400 senior police officers from across the federation participated in promotion interviews. This included 56 Chief Superintendents of Police recommended for promotion to Assistant Commissioners of Police and 451 Superintendents considered for elevation to Chief Superintendents of Police. The Commission has announced that the promotion examinations and interviews will continue next week with the Commissioner's cadre, leading up to a Plenary Meeting later this month.