Police Service Commission Moves To Curb Corruption In Recruitment Process

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…State Governments Urged To Safeguard Their Quota, Ensure Transparency

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IN a renewed effort to combat corruption and foster transparency in police recruitment, the Police Service Commission (PSC) has engaged representatives of all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory in a strategic meeting held in Abuja today.

The Stakeholders Consultative Meeting, themed “Collaborative Approach for a Transparent and Equitable Police Recruitment Process”, took place at the Parry Osayande Auditorium within the Commission’s headquarters.

The gathering aimed to refine preparations for the forthcoming recruitment of Cadet Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs) and Constables for the 2025 exercise.

Addressing participants, the Chairman of the Commission, retired Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Hashimu Argungu, stressed the importance of close cooperation with state governments to ensure a fair and credible recruitment process.

He called on state officials to be vigilant in protecting their allocated quotas and to prevent any form of hijacking of the recruitment exercise within their jurisdictions.

“We are determined to root out collusion and the buying and selling of recruitment slots,” DIG Argungu declared. “Special consideration will no longer override merit and equity. Our objective is to promote integrity, healthy competition and an equitable spread in the recruitment process.”

Argungu emphasised that the Commission seeks a meaningful and effective partnership with states to eliminate corruption from the system, noting that the new approach is designed to give every qualified Nigerian youth a fair opportunity to serve in the police.

Also speaking at the event, retired Supreme Court Justice Paul Adamu Galumje, Honourable Commissioner representing the Judiciary at the PSC, reaffirmed the Commission’s mandate to uphold fairness and equity in police recruitment. “No individual will be permitted to hijack this exercise,” he warned.

 “We will rely on you, the state representatives, to verify the origin of applicants from your respective states.”

DIG Taiwo Lakanu (rtd), Commissioner representing the Police in the Commission, praised the Federal Government and the President for authorising the recruitment drive. He reiterated the Commission’s resolve to reform the recruitment process to attract the best talents into the Nigeria Police Force.

Chief Onyemuche Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission, reiterated the PSC’s commitment to establishing state offices to facilitate its constitutional duties.

He appealed to state governments for necessary support in this endeavour.

The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement on the need for regular consultative engagements, as state representatives pledged their full cooperation and support for a credible and transparent recruitment process.