Tinubu has ended stagnation in paramilitary services — Interior Minister

Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has brought an end to decades-long career stagnation in Nigeria’s paramilitary services through wide-reaching reforms that prioritise merit, welfare, and structured career progression.

Speaking during the decoration ceremony of newly promoted senior officers from the four paramilitary agencies under the Ministry of Interior, Tunji-Ojo praised the administration’s commitment to fairness and efficiency in promoting deserving officers.

The agencies represented were the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Federal Fire Service (FFS).

The new ranks included Deputy Comptroller Generals, Deputy Controller Generals, and Deputy Commandant Generals.

> “Your appointment came as a result of presidential approval. It is not just a promotion but an appointment,” the minister said.

“None of you is here on courtesy, whether you deserve it or not. If you are good enough to be DCG, then you are good enough to be CG.”

He explained that the examination process was independently conducted and assessed by the National Army Resource Centre, and later approved by the appropriate board, ensuring transparency and fairness. While federal character principles were respected for inclusivity, Tunji-Ojo stressed that merit and seniority were the sole criteria for elevation.

> “Many officers retired without attaining positions they merited, not because they lacked competence but because promotions were irregular,” he said.

“Today, this administration has promoted over 52,000 officers in just two years.”

According to him, vacancies for senior roles such as Deputy Comptroller Generals had remained unfilled in the past for as long as a year, a trend now reversed under President Tinubu’s leadership. He also noted that over 80 per cent of the newly decorated DCGs had previously been promoted to Assistant Comptroller Generals by this same administration.

The minister highlighted other reforms, including salary adjustments, new allowances, the end of promotion bottlenecks, and life pension approval for retired senior officers.

> “This government has shown more support than any other in the history of the country. It believes that to whom much is given, much is expected,” he said.

Tunji-Ojo charged the officers to bring renewed loyalty, creativity, and excellence to their roles. Addressing each service, he urged the Immigration Service to enhance border control, the Correctional Service to shift focus to rehabilitation, the Fire Service to establish itself as a first-responder rescue unit, and the NSCDC to guard Nigeria’s critical infrastructure with diligence.

> “The time to rise to your responsibility is not tomorrow. It began yesterday. Let us be catalysts of change and show that the government did not make a mistake in entrusting us with these mandates.”

He also shared an example from a recent promotion exercise, where a female officer narrowly missed qualification by just 0.25 marks. She has now made the list, which he said reflects the fairness and objectivity of the process.

> “The higher you go, the more disciplined you need to be. You are now role models. Let your actions speak louder than words. Leave legacies for those coming behind you.”

The minister added that his ministry remains open to innovation and collaboration, encouraging the newly promoted officers to contribute fresh ideas.

> “We do not have a monopoly of knowledge. We want to listen, collaborate and work with you. Great leaders are those who leave greater legacies.”

He referenced major ongoing reforms, including centralised passport processing, infrastructure development at the Federal Fire Academy, modernised correctional centres like the Kuje facility, and strengthened asset protection by the NSCDC.

> “Show loyalty to Nigeria above anything else. Let the love of this country extinguish any flame of disloyalty. Be mentors, be role models, be catalysts of change.”

Speaking on behalf of the newly decorated officers, Dr. Ngozi Odikpo expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for his confidence in them and his vision for national security. She also commended the Minister of Interior for his leadership and thanked the CGs of the respective services for their mentorship.

> “We pledge to draw upon your wisdom and experience as we strive to uphold the high standards of our offices and meet the expectations entrusted to us with diligence and dedication,” she said.