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IGP Egbetokun Orders Affected Officers To Disregard PSC’s Retirement Directive

Published

1 month ago

Feb 6, 2025.

IGP Egbetokun orders affected police officers to disregard PSC’s retirement directive.
PSC’s revised policy mandates retirement at 35 years of service or 60 years of age.
The commission clarifies it lacks the power to remove the IGP from office.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has directed all senior police officers affected by the recent retirement order from the Police Service Commission (PSC) to remain in office, pending further instructions.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the PSC had earlier mandated the immediate retirement of all senior officers who have served for over 35 years or have reached the age of 60. The directive sparked debates, particularly regarding the tenure of IGP Egbetokun, who recently turned 60.

In a statement issued on Friday, PSC’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, announced that the commission had reviewed its 2017 policy, which previously allowed officers to use their enlistment date rather than their appointment date for retirement calculations. The revised policy now aligns with Public Service Rule No. 020908 (i & ii), which states that an officer must retire after serving for 35 years or upon reaching the age of 60, whichever comes first.

Ani explained that the PSC reversed its previous decision after determining it conflicted with public service regulations on length of service and retirement policies.

However, in response, the IGP has issued a counter-directive through a wireless message from the office of the Force Secretary, instructing affected officers to disregard the PSC’s order.

According to Vanguard, the message states: “The Inspector-General strongly directs all officers affected by the PSC’s directive to stay action, pending further instruction. Officers are to comply strictly with this order.”

IGP Egbetokun Retirement Directive

Meanwhile, the PSC has clarified that its directive does not affect the Inspector-General of Police, as the commission lacks constitutional authority to remove him from office.