There is no doubt that the tenure of the Inspector General of Police IGP has become a contentious issue due to conflicting interpretations of relevant laws, political interests, and its implications for police leadership stability.
The Nigeria Police Act 2020 clearly stipulates that the tenure of the IGP is four years, regardless of age or years of service.
However, the Public Service Rules (PSR) and the 1999 Constitution (as amended) state that public officers, including police officers, must retire at 60 years of age or after 35 years of service, whichever comes first.
The contradiction between these provisions has led to debates over which law takes precedence.
While some legal experts argue that since the Police Act 2020 is a specific law governing the police force, it should override the general Public Service Rules, others contend that the Constitution is the supreme law.
Since the PSR derives its authority from it, they argue, the retirement age rule should apply to the IGP.
Some view the four-year tenure as a means of protecting the IGP from undue political interference, while others argue that allowing an IGP to remain beyond the retirement age could be unconstitutional.
However, the current IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, was appointed under the four-year tenure framework, sparking discussions about the legality of this arrangement.
It’s imperative to note that frequent changes in the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) disrupt policy implementation and reforms.
A longer tenure allows an IGP to plan and execute long-term security strategies effectively, ensuring stability and consistency in police leadership.
Short tenures often lead to politicization, where IGPs prioritize pleasing the appointing authority over genuine police reforms.
An extended tenure fosters professionalism by giving the IGP sufficient time to implement training programs, community policing, and technological upgrades, strengthening institutional growth.
Crime prevention and security measures require sustained efforts, which can be undermined by frequent leadership changes.
A longer tenure ensures that security strategies are properly executed, evaluated, and adjusted without abrupt policy shifts, leading to improved crime-fighting strategies.
If an IGP is guaranteed a fixed, longer tenure, it reduces the likelihood of arbitrary removal based on political interests.
This independence can enable the IGP to enforce the law impartially without fear of premature dismissal, reducing political interference in police affairs.
In many advanced democracies, police chiefs serve fixed terms, allowing them to carry out their duties without unnecessary political pressure.
Nigeria can benefit from adopting a similar system that promotes accountability and efficiency, aligning with global best practices.
A predictable and longer tenure encourages career police officers to focus on professionalism rather than lobbying for appointments.
It also allows for better grooming of successors, ensuring that leadership transitions do not disrupt ongoing reforms and boosting morale within the force.
While tenure extension has its benefits, it must be accompanied by strong accountability measures to prevent abuse of office.
A well-structured tenure system—whether fixed or subject to performance review—can help strengthen the Nigeria Police Force and improve national security.
Andrew Babs.
Social Analyst.
January 31st.