By Hosea Parah, Abuja
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has taken a decisive step to ensure a transparent, fair, and corruption-free recruitment process for the 2025 intake of Cadet Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASP) and Constables. In a landmark meeting held today, the Commission engaged representatives from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to collaborate on safeguarding the integrity of the recruitment exercise.
The Stakeholders Consultative Meeting, themed “Collaborative Approach for a Transparent and Equitable Police Recruitment Process,” took place at the Parry Osayande Auditorium in Abuja. PSC Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), emphasized the importance of cooperation between the Commission and state governments. He urged states to vigilantly protect their recruitment quotas and prevent any hijacking or manipulation of the process within their jurisdictions.
DIG Argungu vowed to eliminate corrupt practices such as the trading or purchasing of recruitment slots, stressing that merit and equity will be the only criteria guiding selection. “We want to stop corruption in the system and open up the exercise to promote healthy competition and equitable spread,” he said.
The meeting also featured Justice Paul Adamu Galumje, retired Supreme Court Justice and Commissioner representing the Judiciary, who reinforced the Commission’s commitment to fairness. He assured that no one will be allowed to manipulate the recruitment process and urged state representatives to verify that successful candidates are genuinely from their respective states.
On the policing side, DIG Taiwo Lakanu (rtd), Commissioner representing the Police on the Commission, highlighted the new management’s dedication to reinventing the recruitment process to attract the best Nigerian youths. He also praised President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the recruitment exercise, describing it as a valuable opportunity not to be wasted.
Chief Onyemuche Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission, outlined plans to establish PSC state offices to enhance operational efficiency and appealed for state government support in this endeavor.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to hold regular consultations and foster constructive partnerships. Representatives of the state governments pledged their full cooperation to ensure the success and credibility of the 2025 Police Recruitment exercise.