The Police Service Commission (PSC) has commenced preparations for the 2025 recruitment of cadets and constables into the Nigeria Police Force, with a renewed emphasis on data protection and credibility in the selection process.
Chairman of the Commission, retired Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Hashimu Argungu, mni, led a high-powered management team on a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) in Abuja on Wednesday, seeking collaboration for a transparent and data-compliant recruitment exercise.
DIG Argungu emphasized the critical role of data in governance and security operations, stating that proper background checks and identity verification are essential to recruiting trustworthy Nigerians into the Police Force.
“Data rules the world, and with protected, accurate data, we can plan better and ensure that only credible applicants are selected,” Argungu said. “We are here to fortify the Commission in its recruitment process, and we seek your partnership to make it a success.”
While highlighting the Commission’s readiness to commence recruitment for cadets and the 30,000 constables approved annually by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the PSC Chairman expressed concern over the Commission’s inability to access the database of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), a development he described as a major hindrance to the Commission’s constitutional mandate.
He appealed to the National Commissioner of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, to intervene and facilitate access to identity data that would help ensure a more efficient, secure, and credible recruitment process.
Responding, Dr. Olatunji assured the Commission of the NDPC’s support and commitment to helping PSC achieve a data-compliant recruitment process. He pledged to facilitate access to the required data and offer training for PSC staff on data protection and privacy in line with global best practices.
To ensure seamless collaboration, both agencies agreed to establish a joint committee that will begin work immediately on aligning recruitment activities with international standards for data protection.
The visit marks a significant step in strengthening inter-agency collaboration aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and trust in Nigeria’s police recruitment process.