The Police Service Commission p(PSC) has announced the mandatory retirement for officers and men on the attainment of 60 years or 35 years length of service, pledging to enforce it.
The commission made the decision during its first extraordinary meeting of 2025, which was chaired by retired Deputy Inspector General Hashimu Argungu.
The meeting was attended by top officials, including retired Supreme Court Justice Adamu Paul Galumje, retired Deputy Inspector General Taiwo Lakanu, and the Commission’s Secretary, Chief Onyemuchi Nnamani.
The PSC’s spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani, announced on Friday that the mandatory retirement of police officers at 60 or with 35 years of service aligns with Public Service Rule No. 020908, but did not disclose the number of officers who would be affected.
The statement said the commission had at its 24th Plenary Meeting of 27 and 28 September 2017 approved that the force entrants should have their date of appointment in the Force against the date of their enlistment.
Ani said: “The Commission had previously approved at its 24th Plenary Meeting in September 2017 that Force entrants should have their appointment date aligned with their enlistment date.
“However, upon review, the Commission found that this decision contradicted the principles of service merger in the public sector and violated established retirement rules.”
According to Ani, the commission after reassessing the matter, decided to enforce mandatory retirement for eligible officers, ensuring compliance with public service regulations.
He added: “The Commission’s decision has been conveyed to the Inspector General of Police for immediate implementation.”
The PSC statement may be connected to Omoyele Sowore’s statement, in which the former presidential candidate and activist labeled Inspector General of Police Olukayode Egbetokun as an ‘Illegal IG’.
According to Sowore, Egbetokun has exceeded the retirement age in violation of the civil service rules.
Meanwhile, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, has endorsed the extended tenure of Egbetokun on Thursday, declaring it lawful and legitimate.
His statement came amidst speculations surrounding the IGP’s tenure, with some reports suggesting a tenure extension.
According to Fagbemi, Egbetokun’s tenure would have ended on September 4, 2024, upon reaching 60 years of age, considering his appointment took effect on October 31, 2023.
He said: “This has, therefore, statutorily extended the tenure of office of Egbetokun to and including 31st day of October, 2027 in order to complete the four year tenure granted to him.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Egbetokun’s continuou stay in office is in line with the provisions of the Police Act amended in 2024 which allows the occupant of the office to enjoy a term of four years effective from the date of his appointment as IGP, in this case, 31st day of October 2023.
“This advisory is necessary for the guidance of the general public.”
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