IGP, Police Commission clash over Police officers’ retirement age directives

IGP, Police Commission clash over Police officers’ retirement age directives

The recent directive from the Police Service Commission (PSC) mandating that officers who have served for 35 years or reached the age of 60 retire has sparked a strong backlash from senior retired police officers.

These former officers, including high-ranking figures such as Deputy Inspectors General of Police (DIGs), Assistant Inspectors General (AIGs), and Commissioners of Police (CPs), have voiced their objections to the decision.

However, the Public Relations Officer of the PSC sought to clarify the situation, explaining that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun’s call for further directives does not imply a rejection of the PSC’s ruling.

The PSC had recently issued a directive requiring officers who have either completed 35 years of service or have reached 60 years of age to retire from the force immediately. This decision followed a review of the commission’s policies during its 24th plenary meeting in September 2017, which revised the rules to allow officers to use their date of enlistment rather than their original appointment date for retirement purposes.

The PSC justified its stance by citing inconsistencies with Public Service Rule No. 020908 (i & ii), which mandates retirement after 35 years of service or upon reaching 60 years of age.

Despite the PSC’s clarification that it has no authority to determine the appointment or retirement of the current IGP, Egbetokun’s response has created confusion within the police force.

A message from the office of the Force Secretary, dated February 5, 2025, instructed all affected officers to “stay action” on the PSC’s directive and await further instructions from the IGP. The communication emphasized strict compliance with this order.

The message reads: “INGENPOL strongly directs all officers affected by the PSC’s directive to stay action, pending further directive. This directive should be strictly complied with.”

In reaction to the IGP’s directive, some of the affected officers have taken legal action against the PSC, challenging the decision in court.

Meanwhile, PSC spokesperson Ikechukwu Ani responded, acknowledging the IGP’s order and explaining that it did not necessarily contradict the commission’s decision.

He suggested that the IGP may be planning additional measures and stressed that the directive to hold off on retirement was not an outright rejection of the PSC’s position.