Retirement Directive: IGP Overrules PSC, Orders Officers To Stay

IGP Instructs Officers to Disregard PSC Retirement Order

In a significant development, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has instructed all police officers impacted by the recent retirement directive from the Police Service Commission (PSC) to ignore the order.

The PSC had previously mandated that officers who had completed 35 years of service or had reached 60 years of age should proceed on immediate retirement. However, the IGP has now countered this decision, emphasizing that all affected officers should remain in their positions until further notice.

A wireless communication from the Force Secretary’s office, dated February 11, 2025, reaffirmed the IGP’s position. The message explicitly stated that officers should suspend any retirement action in line with the PSC directive and instead await further official instructions.

PSC’s Position on Retirement Rules

The PSC’s directive was based on a policy review conducted after its 24th plenary meeting in September 2017. The commission had previously allowed officers to determine their retirement based on their enlistment date rather than their appointment date.

However, upon review, the PSC found inconsistencies with the Public Service Rule No. 020908, which mandates retirement for officers who complete 35 years in service or turn 60. As a result, the commission sought to enforce the existing regulations, requiring affected officers to step down.

PSC’s Authority and Limitations

Despite issuing the directive, the PSC clarified that it does not hold the constitutional power to determine the retirement or appointment of the Inspector General of Police (IGP). This suggests a potential conflict between the commission’s administrative oversight and the executive authority of the police leadership.

What’s Next for Affected Officers?

With the IGP’s directive in place, the fate of officers affected by the retirement order remains uncertain. While the PSC insists on compliance with the 35-year service rule, the IGP’s intervention suggests that further discussions may be needed to resolve the matter.

As the situation unfolds, stakeholders will be keenly watching for any updates regarding policy adjustments, legal interpretations, or possible negotiations between the police hierarchy and the PSC.