The Police Service Commission (PSC) on Thursday met with representatives from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to finalise strategies for a transparent, credible, and equitable 2025 police recruitment exercise. The process will cover the enlistment of Cadet Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs) and Constables.

The Stakeholders’ Consultative Meeting, themed “Collaborative Approach for a Transparent and Equitable Police Recruitment Process”, took place at the Parry Osayande Auditorium, PSC Headquarters, Abuja.

PSC Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), mni, assured the state representatives that the Commission will work closely with state governments to safeguard their recruitment quotas and prevent hijacking of the process. He emphasised that the era of slot trading and special considerations undermining merit is over.

“We want to stop corruption in the system and open up the exercise to promote healthy competition and equitable spread,” Argungu declared, stressing that recruitment will be based strictly on merit.

He urged state officials to partner with the PSC in protecting the integrity of the exercise.

Also speaking, Justice Paul Adamu Galumje (rtd), Honourable Commissioner representing the Judiciary, reaffirmed the Commission’s mandate to ensure fairness and equity in police recruitment. He warned that no individual or group would be allowed to hijack the 2025 exercise, noting that state verification of candidates will be key.

DIG Taiwo Lakanu (rtd), Honourable Commissioner representing the Police, highlighted the new PSC management’s commitment to producing the best-qualified Nigerian youths for the police force. He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the recruitment exercise, pledging that the opportunity would not be squandered.

PSC Secretary, Chief Onyemuche Nnamani, announced plans to establish PSC offices in all states for effective oversight, calling for state government support.

At the close of the meeting, stakeholders agreed to hold regular consultative engagements, with state representatives pledging full cooperation.