PSC Clarifies Its Role: We Don’t Have Authority Over IGP’s Removal, Appointment or Tenure
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has clarified that it does not possess the constitutional authority to decide on the appointment or removal of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Recently, the PSC issued a directive instructing all police officers who have served for 35 years or reached the age of 60 to retire immediately, in accordance with established laws. This has sparked public debate, with many suggesting that the same rule should apply to the tenure of the IGP.
However, Ikechukwu Ani, Head of Press and Public Relations at the PSC, explained in a statement on Monday that the Commission’s powers are defined by the Constitution and relevant legislation. According to Paragraph 30, part 1 of the Third Schedule of the Constitution and Section 6(1) of the Police Service Commission (Establishment) Act, 2001, the PSC is responsible for matters such as the appointment, promotion, dismissal, and disciplinary control of members of the Nigeria Police Force, but not the IGP.
The PSC emphasized that the law excludes the IGP from its jurisdiction, as the position is appointed by the President, with advice from the Police Council. Ani also noted that during the PSC’s 1st Extraordinary Meeting of the 6th Management Board on January 31, 2025, the focus was on regularizing the appointment dates of Cadet Assistant Superintendents of Police and Force Entrants, and not on the IGP’s role.
The Commission reiterated that it is satisfied with the scope of authority granted to it by the Constitution and is not seeking additional powers beyond what the law provides. Furthermore, the PSC affirmed its strong and cooperative working relationship with the IGP in support of the Nigeria Police Force’s objectives.
