Nigeria Police Begin Promotion Exercise for Inspectors to ASP Rank, August 29
The Nigeria Police Force has commenced a promotion exercise to elevate long-serving Inspectors to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), in a move aimed at boosting morale and rewarding years of service.
The Police Service Commission (PSC), which oversees police personnel matters, has issued a deadline of August 29, 2025, for eligible officers to complete all necessary requirements.
In a circular issued to police commands and formations across the country, the PSC directed that all departmental selection board processes for the promotion must be concluded by the end of August.
The exercise applies specifically to Inspectors who have fulfilled statutory conditions and are awaiting elevation to the ASP cadre.
This development comes shortly after the Commission approved the promotion of 4,741 Inspectors to the rank of unconfirmed ASP and 33 to Senior Inspector during its July plenary session. The Commission also elevated 12 Commissioners of Police to Assistant Inspector General (AIG), 16 Deputy Commissioners of Police to Commissioners, and 27 Assistant Commissioners to Deputy Commissioners, among others.
Chairman of the PSC, retired DIG Hashimu Argungu, emphasized that the promotion process will be merit-based and conducted in accordance with global best practices.
He added that the exercise is part of a broader reform effort to strengthen the Nigeria Police Force by ensuring that leadership roles are occupied by qualified and experienced officers.
According to the guidelines, all affected Inspectors must undergo screening, training, and assessment procedures before the promotion can be formalized. The PSC warned that any candidate who fails to meet the stipulated deadline risks being excluded from this promotion batch.
The initiative has been widely welcomed by rank-and-file officers, who view it as a long-awaited recognition of their dedication and service. Observers note that timely and merit-driven promotions are essential to improving discipline, motivation, and operational efficiency within the police force.
As the August 29 deadline approaches, commands and formations have begun internal preparations to identify eligible officers and ensure compliance with the PSC’s directive.
The Commission is expected to monitor the process closely to guard against favoritism and ensure transparency in the final selection.
This promotion exercise marks another step in the government’s broader security sector reform, aimed at professionalizing the police and restoring public confidence in law enforcement institutions.
