The Police Service Commission (PSC) has clarified that it lacks the constitutional authority to determine the appointment or removal of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
The statement comes amidst public debates over the tenure of the IGP following the Commission’s recent directive mandating retirement for police officers who have served for 35 years or reached the age of 60.
In a statement on Monday, Ikechukwu Ani, Head of Press and Public Relations at the PSC, emphasized that the Commission’s mandate does not extend to the office of the IGP, which is under the purview of the President and the Police Council.
“By virtue of Paragraph 30, part 1 of the third schedule to the Constitution, and clause 6 (1) of the Police Service Commission (Establishment) Act, 2001, the Commission is charged with the responsibilities of appointment, promotion, dismissal, and exercising disciplinary control over persons holding offices in the Nigeria Police Force (except the Inspector-General of Police),” Ani said.
He further noted that the IGP is appointed by the President, with advice from the Police Council, underscoring that the PSC has no role in such decisions.
Last week, the PSC directed police officers who have either served for 35 years or attained the age of 60 to retire immediately, in accordance with existing laws.
However, this directive sparked debates among commentators, with some arguing that it should also apply to the IGP.
Addressing this, Ani clarified, “The Commission at its 1st Extraordinary Meeting of the 6th Management Board on Friday, 31st January 2025, only considered and took decisions on the regularisation of the date of first appointment of CADET ASPs/Inspector Force Entrants. This has nothing to do with the Inspector-General of Police or his office.”
The PSC reiterated that it is content with its constitutionally defined responsibilities and has no interest in extending its powers.
“The Commission wishes to state that it is comfortable with the size of the powers which the Constitution has bestowed on it and is not interested in shopping for more powers that obviously are not backed by law,” the statement added.
The Commission also highlighted its strong working relationship with the IGP, aimed at promoting the overall interest of the Nigeria Police Force.
