As Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun approaches his scheduled retirement on September 4, 2024, the race to succeed him has intensified amid uncertainty over his retirement date. Egbetokun, who was appointed on June 19, 2023, is set to retire when he turns 60. However, a recent amendment to the Police Act could potentially extend his tenure, creating tension within the police high command.
The Police Council confirmed Egbetokun as the substantive IGP on October 31, 2023, but a new Executive Bill passed by the National Assembly in July 2024 allows the President to extend the IGP’s tenure beyond the traditional 35 years of service or 60 years of age, enabling the IGP to complete a four-year term. Since President Bola Tinubu has yet to sign the bill into law, uncertainty looms over whether Egbetokun will retire as scheduled or have his tenure extended.
If the amendment is signed into law, it would introduce Section 18(8A) to the Nigeria Police Act 2020, stating that any person appointed as IGP shall remain in office until the end of the term stipulated in their appointment letter. This potential extension has sparked concerns among senior police officers who fear it could disrupt career progression and increase lobbying for top positions.
High-ranking officers, including Deputy Inspectors-General (DIGs), Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs), and Commissioners of Police (CPs), are already lobbying for the top position. There are currently eight DIGs, 46 AIGs, and 125 CPs in the force, with four DIGs set to retire between September and December 2024.
The situation draws parallels to the tenure of former IGP Usman Baba, whose retirement was delayed by former President Muhammadu Buhari, allowing Baba to serve beyond the mandated retirement age. This precedent has added to the tension within the force as officers await President Tinubu's decision on the amendment.
As the police force faces potential restructuring, the President’s silence on the bill has only intensified the race to succeed Egbetokun, with many officers keenly watching the developments that could shape the future of the Nigeria Police Force.
