police PSC extend recruitment deadline
The Nigeria Police Force and the Police Service Commission (PSC) have extended the ongoing police recruitment deadline following unexpectedly low application numbers from Lagos and several other states, raising fresh questions about youth interest, public trust, and socio-economic barriers in the country’s security recruitment process.
The extension, jointly announced by officials of the Police and PSC, is aimed at giving more eligible Nigerians additional time to apply, while also addressing the sharp regional imbalance in application figures that has emerged since the exercise commenced.
According to senior officials familiar with the recruitment data, Lagos State—Nigeria’s most populous and economically vibrant state—recorded one of the lowest turnout figures, alongside parts of the South-West, South-South, and select urban centres nationwide.
Police, PSC Extend Recruitment Deadline to Boost Nationwide Participation
The decision that police, PSC extend recruitment deadline was reached after internal assessments revealed that application figures fell significantly below projections in key states traditionally expected to dominate recruitment numbers.
While northern states recorded stronger interest, officials admitted that the low applications from Lagos and other urbanised states could undermine the national balance the police recruitment exercise is meant to achieve.
A PSC official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the extension was not a failure of the process but a “necessary adjustment.”
“When police, PSC extend recruitment deadline, it is to ensure equity, fairness, and broad participation. We cannot build a national police force with uneven regional representation,” the official said.
Why Lagos, Other States Recorded Low Police Recruitment Applications
Several factors are believed to be responsible for why Lagos and other states recorded low applications, despite high youth populations and unemployment levels.
- Public Trust Deficit
Years of allegations involving police misconduct, brutality, and extortion have affected the image of the Nigeria Police Force, especially in urban areas where police-civilian encounters are frequent.
Civil society groups argue that many young Nigerians in Lagos remain sceptical about joining the force due to concerns about working conditions, welfare, and career progression.
- Economic Alternatives in Urban Centres
Unlike rural areas where the police job remains a major employment opportunity, urban youths often pursue alternative income streams such as tech, ride-hailing, logistics, entertainment, and informal businesses.
This economic diversity may partly explain why police, PSC extend recruitment deadline after seeing weak interest from economically active cities.
- Awareness and Documentation Challenges
Some applicants reportedly struggled with documentation requirements, digital application processes, or medical standards, discouraging completion of applications.
Police Recruitment Extension: New Deadline and What Applicants Should Know
Following the decision that police, PSC extend recruitment deadline, applicants now have additional time to complete submissions on the official recruitment portal.
Key reminders from the Police and PSC include:
• Applications are free of charge
• Only candidates aged 18–25 years are eligible
• Applicants must possess a minimum of five O’Level credits
• Physical and medical fitness requirements remain unchanged
Officials stressed that no agent or intermediary is authorised to collect money for recruitment, warning applicants against fraudsters.
https://ogelenews.ng/police-psc-extend-recruitment-deadline-lagos-low-ap…
PSC Reacts to Concerns Over Low Applications
The Police Service Commission acknowledged public concerns and admitted that deeper reforms are needed beyond deadline extensions.
A PSC spokesperson said the recruitment exercise should also be seen as a trust-building opportunity.
“If police, PSC extend recruitment deadline and people still hesitate, then we must look inward—welfare, training, accountability, and public perception matter,” the spokesperson noted.
The commission said it is working with the police hierarchy to improve transparency and communication ahead of subsequent recruitment phases.
Implications for National Security and Policing
Security analysts warn that persistently low recruitment interest in strategic states like Lagos could weaken intelligence gathering, community policing, and urban crime prevention.
Lagos, as Nigeria’s commercial hub, requires a strong and locally grounded police presence. Analysts argue that when police, PSC extend recruitment deadline, it should be accompanied by broader messaging on career development, modern policing, and improved officer welfare.
Calls for Police Reform Beyond Recruitment
Human rights organisations have urged authorities to go beyond deadline extensions and tackle systemic issues discouraging applicants.
Suggested reforms include:
• Improved police salaries and housing
• Stronger disciplinary mechanisms
• Mental health support for officers
• Clear promotion and retirement benefits
Without these changes, analysts warn that recruitment extensions may offer only temporary relief.
What Happens Next After Police Recruitment Deadline Extension
The Police and PSC confirmed that once the extended deadline closes:
• Shortlisting will commence immediately
• Physical screening will follow nationwide
• Successful candidates will be deployed to training institutions
Officials assured that merit and federal character principles will guide final selections.
Conclusion
The decision that police, PSC extend recruitment deadline reflects deeper challenges facing Nigeria’s law enforcement system—ranging from public trust to economic realities. While the extension offers a second chance for eligible applicants, experts agree that sustainable recruitment success depends on long-term police reforms, not deadlines alone.
As the recruitment window remains open, authorities are urging qualified Nigerians—especially from Lagos and other low-participation states—to seize the opportunity and contribute to reshaping the future of policing in Nigeria.
