PSC to decentralise Police recruitment

The Police Service Commission is set to decentralise recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and allow recruitment desk officers from the states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, to play key roles during the 2025 recruitment exercise.

This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Friday by the Spokesperson of the Commission, Mr Ikechukwu Ani.

The statement explained that the decision followed a successful meeting with stakeholders, including representatives from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, in Abuja, which focused on eliminating the sharp practices identified with the exercise in the past.

It added that the Commission would also ensure that all the stakeholders — the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Federal Character Commission — would have access to the portal for inclusiveness and transparency. According to the statement, this will also help prevent corruption and nepotism in the system.

It stated that the newly acquired recruitment portal, which would serve for the recruitment of both its staff and all categories of police officers, was now ready and would be deployed during future recruitment exercises.

It recalled that the Commission, on Thursday, held for the first time a consultative meeting with the primary beneficiaries of its recruitment exercise — officers in charge of recruitment from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory — where far-reaching decisions were taken on how best to improve and consolidate efficient, transparent, accountable, and equitable recruitment in the country.

According to the statement, to give effect to this development, the Commission will dedicate this new portal to ensure a successful and inclusive recruitment process for both its personnel and that of the Nigeria Police.

It advised members of the public that, going forward, police recruitments would be conducted using the Commission’s recruitment portal, with state officers playing significant roles.

It further explained that the portal would be opened immediately the Commission is ready to commence the 2025 recruitment exercise.

The statement added that the Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), expressed delight that the Commission was able to partner with the state desk officers, who are the immediate beneficiaries of police recruitment, to ensure that the interests of all parties were protected.

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