Inside Nigeria Police Promotions, Merit, Not Favouritism, Drives Recent Accelerated Advancements in the Service.
By Raymond Enoch
In the wake of rising speculations and public scrutiny over the recent spate of accelerated promotions in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), a deeper look into the process reveals strict adherence to the 2018 Police Service Commission (PSC) Guidelines — a structured framework designed to ensure fairness, meritocracy, and professionalism in police career progression.
Reports, particularly from online outlet Sahara Reporters, had insinuated that the promotion of a female officer was tainted by favouritism. However, a thorough examination of the PSC’s regulatory framework and the circumstances surrounding recent promotions tells a different story — one that underscores discipline, performance, and due process.
According to Adenike Aribisala, a public affairs analyst and commentator on national security issues, the promotions were executed in full compliance with the PSC Guidelines on Appointment, Promotion, and Discipline (2018 Revised Edition). These guidelines, especially Section 2.9.3 (vi), allow for accelerated promotion in exceptional cases such as acts of gallantry, outstanding performance, or critical service needs — provided the officer has served a minimum of six months in the current rank.
“This provision is not a loophole,” Aribisala explains. “It is a measured safeguard meant to ensure officers have ample opportunity to prove their capability, while also allowing the institution to reward excellence in a timely and meaningful way.”
Indeed, within the force, it is standard procedure that recommendations for promotion pass through multiple layers of scrutiny — from unit commanders to zonal heads — before being ratified by the Police Service Commission. Such was the case in the recent promotions, which were reportedly based on consecutive commendations and documented acts of exemplary service.
One officer in particular, whose promotion was questioned, is said to have a record of consistent bravery and professionalism. Her elevation, far from being an anomaly, aligns squarely with PSC provisions that reward exceptional performance and dedication.
“It’s disheartening to see sensational media narratives attempt to discredit a hardworking officer simply because she is a woman,” Aribisala added. “This kind of reporting not only ignores the facts but undermines the morale of countless officers who risk their lives daily to protect the nation.”
Under the leadership of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, the Nigeria Police Force has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and institutional reform. The IGP’s administration has emphasized the need to boost officer morale through timely recognition and reward systems — a critical step in enhancing operational efficiency amidst Nigeria’s dynamic security landscape.
The PSC, as the sole body vested with the constitutional responsibility for appointments and promotions in the police force, maintains that all recent elevations — including accelerated ones — were based on merit, not manipulation.
“Institutional integrity requires that we defend fair processes, especially when they’re working,” Aribisala concluded. “Accelerated promotions, when done right, are not just fair — they are essential.”
As the country continues to grapple with complex security threats, the debate around promotions should remain rooted in facts, not prejudice or politics. Upholding merit-based advancement within the police force is not just a policy choice — it is a national imperative.6
