The International Human Rights Commission – Relief Fund Trust (IHRC-RFT), Nigeria, has called for an urgent review and adjustment of the scheduled physical and credential screening exercise for the recruitment of 50,000 Police Constables by the Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
The screening exercise is slated to commence on 9 March 2026.
In a statement issued on Thursday and made available to Stallion Times by its Country Director, Amb. Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, the organization, which holds Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), said it had received complaints from numerous applicants that the screening period coincides with the holy month of Ramadan.
According to IHRC-RFT, the physically demanding nature of the screening exercise may pose significant hardship for Muslim candidates observing fasting, thereby inadvertently disadvantaging otherwise qualified applicants across the federation.
The commission cited provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), particularly Articles 2, 21(2), and 23(1), which guarantee non-discrimination, equal access to public service, and the right to work.
It also referenced the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which upholds equality and the welfare of citizens.
IHFC-RFT therefore urged that the screening exercise be shifted to a date after Ramadan to ensure inclusivity, fairness, and equal opportunity.
It appealed to the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Chairmen of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Police Affairs, the Minister of Interior, and other relevant stakeholders to intervene and adjust the timeline.
The rights organization recalled that major national activities, including preparations related to the 2027 General Elections, had previously been adjusted in consideration of Ramadan, demonstrating that large-scale exercises could be rescheduled in the interest of fairness, religious sensitivity, and national unity.
It expressed hope that similar understanding would be applied in the current instance, noting that such a decision would reflect equity, constitutional responsibility, and respect for Nigeria’s religious diversity.
IHRC-RFT reaffirmed its commitment, in line with its ECOSOC consultative mandate, to promoting justice, accountability, and the protection of fundamental human rights.
