President Bola Tinubu has confirmed that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, will remain in office until 2027, completing the four-year tenure stipulated in his appointment letter. Contrary to rumors of an extension, senior police sources clarified that the announcement serves as a formal confirmation of the IGP’s original tenure, not an extension.
A senior police source explained, “The tenure of the IGP was not extended but rather a clarification on his letter of appointment that stipulated four years in office.” This confirmation follows the recent passing of the Police Act Amendment Bill by the National Assembly, which allows an appointed IGP to complete the full term as stated in their appointment letter.
Egbetokun, appointed in June 2023, will now officially serve for four years, as initially intended. According to the Police Act 2020, Egbetokun, who turns 60 in September 2024, would typically retire based on age, but the recent amendment allows him to serve until 2027.
The IGP’s appointment has faced scrutiny, with comparisons drawn to his predecessor, Usman Baba, who stayed in office beyond the typical retirement age until Egbetokun’s appointment. This clarification ensures stability in the police leadership and aligns with the new legal provisions passed by the National Assembly.
Egbetokun’s confirmation as IGP for the next four years marks a continuation of his leadership within the Nigeria Police Force, with two years and nine months left to complete his tenure.
