According to the petitioners, while they appreciate the promotion exercise that elevated them to ASP II, the effective date does not reflect when the promotion process was actually concluded.
Some newly promoted officers of the Nigeria Police Force have petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, over what they describe as an unfair effective date attached to their recent elevation from Inspector to Assistant Superintendent of Police II (ASP II).
The officers, who spoke through a formal petition addressed to the IGP and obtained by SaharaReporters, expressed “deep concerns regarding the approved effective date of promotion fixed as 5th January, 2026.”
According to the petitioners, while they appreciate the promotion exercise that elevated them to ASP II, the effective date does not reflect when the promotion process was actually concluded.
“We acknowledge and appreciate the recent promotion exercise that elevated qualified Inspectors to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police II, which has boosted hope and renewed commitment to service among the affected officers,” the petition stated.
However, they added, “the effective date of the promotion, being 05/01/2026, has generated widespread concern, as it does not accurately reflect the period when the promotion process was concluded and when officers effectively earned the advancement.”
The officers noted that promotion examinations, interviews and approvals were completed much earlier, stressing that “many officers meeting all requirements as far back as 2024.”
They further stated that they had already been performing duties associated with the higher rank long before 2026.
“The affected officers have, since 2024, discharged higher responsibilities, demonstrated leadership capacity, and fulfilled duties commensurate with the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police,” the petition read.
According to them, the approved date has serious financial and career consequences.
“The current effective date adversely affects officers financially, as it delays salary adjustments, allowances, and other emoluments that ordinarily accrue from the date the promotion is earned,” they said.
They also warned that “beyond financial implications, the 2026 effective date negatively impacts seniority, career progression, and future promotional opportunities within the Force structure.”
The officers said the situation has damaged morale, noting that “officers feel that their efforts, sacrifices, and timely success in the promotion process are not adequately recognised.”
Citing precedents within the Force and other security agencies, the petitioners argued that promotions are often backdated.
“We humbly note that in previous promotion exercises within the Nigeria Police Force and other sister security agencies, promotions have often been backdated to reflect the actual year of qualification or completion of the promotion process,” they stated.
They therefore demanded a revision of the date.
“Granting a 2024 effective date would ensure parity with comparable promotion exercises and prevent unintended disadvantages to this set of officers,” the petition added.
The officers maintained that “administrative justice, fairness, and equity demand that the effective date of promotion should correspond with the period when officers became eligible and were duly assessed and approved.”
They assured the IGP that the petition was submitted in good faith.
“We wish to assure you, Sir, that this petition is presented with utmost respect for the chain of command, and without any intention to undermine discipline or authority within the Force,” they wrote.
“In light of the foregoing, we humbly pray that the effective date of the promotion of Inspectors to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police II be backdated to a suitable date in the year 2024.”
They also requested “the constitution of a committee or administrative review to re-examine the promotion timeline and make appropriate recommendations.”
The petition comes 24 hours after SaharaReporters reported that the Police Service Commission (PSC) approved the promotion of 26,119 Inspectors of Police to the substantive rank of ASP II, following a recommendation by the IGP.
An official police wireless message seen by SaharaReporters indicated that the promotions take effect from January 5, 2026, and that gazette notifications and Force Order publications would follow.
The large-scale promotion exercise is one of the biggest in recent years and was circulated to formations across the country, including zonal commands, state commands, training institutions and specialised units.
