The Police Service Commission (PSC) has clarified that it does not have the legal authority to enforce the retirement of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.
This comes amid public questions following the PSC’s directive for police officers who have served 35 years or reached 60 years of age to retire, as required by law.
According to a statement from PSC spokesperson Ikechukwu Ani, the commission’s duties include appointing, promoting, dismissing, and overseeing disciplinary actions within the Nigeria Police Force, but this excludes the IGP.
The IGP is appointed by the President based on recommendations from the Police Council, placing the role outside PSC’s control.
The commission also mentioned that during its extraordinary meeting on January 31, 2025, it focused only on regularizing the appointment dates of cadet Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs) and inspector force entrants. This decision does not affect the IGP’s tenure.
Additionally, the PSC reviewed its 2017 decision concerning the appointment dates of force entrants and found it inconsistent with public service rules.
The commission reaffirmed that retirement should be based on either 35 years of service or reaching 60 years of age, in line with Public Service Rule 020908.
The PSC emphasized that it is satisfied with its current powers as outlined in the Constitution and has no intention of seeking additional authority.
It also assured that it maintains a cooperative relationship with the IGP to support the Nigeria Police Force in maintaining law and order nationwide.
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