ABUJA: In a significant development, the Federal Government has officially approved the appointment of 15 new Deputy Comptrollers General, Deputy Controllers General, and Deputy Commandants General (DCGs) for the four paramilitary services that operate under the purview of the Ministry of Interior. This decision is part of an ongoing effort to enhance the effectiveness and operational capacity of these essential agencies.
The agencies affected by this appointment include the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), which has received the highest number of new appointments, totaling seven. Following this, the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has been allocated four new positions, while the Federal Fire Service has been granted one new position. Lastly, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has been assigned three new Deputy Commandants General positions, reflecting a comprehensive approach to staffing across the various services.
During the ceremonial decoration of these senior officers, which took place at the Muhammad Babandede Hall located within the headquarters of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Abuja on Wednesday, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, emphasized that the era of nepotism within these services has come to an end. He expressed his strong commitment to ensuring that promotions and appointments are based solely on merit and performance rather than personal connections or favoritism.
The minister lamented the unfortunate reality that some officers had remained stagnant in their ranks for extended periods, often through no fault of their own. He assured the gathered personnel that under the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu, individuals within the service would not need to rely on personal connections to achieve promotion. He stated, “My charge to you is that the paramilitary agencies should never remain the same. As a matter of fact, we are hungry for innovations.”
In a noteworthy incident, the minister recounted receiving a letter from a lawyer who threatened to take legal action regarding the promotion of certain individuals. In response, he questioned the basis of such claims, asserting that seniority should be the primary qualification for promotion, while performance would ultimately determine an individual’s advancement. He reiterated, “The era of nepotism is gone,” and echoed the president’s sentiment that true progress can only be claimed when individuals, regardless of their background, can rise to prominence based on their abilities and contributions.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo further assured those present that for the upcoming 2024 promotions, the process is nearly complete, and he promised that promotions would be finalized by the end of September. He stressed that no one would be denied their rightful promotion due to their background or other irrelevant factors. Addressing those who might write petitions regarding promotions, he stated that his office would provide any necessary documentation to support the process. He firmly declared that every individual decorated at the event had earned their recognition through hard work and dedication.
For those aspiring to higher positions within the paramilitary services, the minister encouraged them to focus on their work ethic and expertise, emphasizing that they do not need a “godfather” to succeed. He acknowledged that many of the officers being honored today should have received their promotions several years ago but lacked the necessary support. This is why the Renewed Hope initiative is crucial for all personnel within the services.
To the newly appointed DCGs, he urged them to be efficient and innovative in their roles. He encouraged them to think creatively and strive for excellence, stating that the difference between ordinary and extraordinary lies in the pursuit of that “extra” effort. He called for the development of a security system that all Nigerians can take pride in, emphasizing the importance of their contributions to national security.
In related news, Secretary of the Civil Defence Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), Ahmed Ja’afaru, noted that the current administration has made significant strides in ensuring that annual promotions are completed within the designated year. This is a marked improvement compared to previous years when some promotions were delayed and carried over into subsequent years.
Ja’afaru highlighted the newfound independence of the board, stating that it is no longer subordinated to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF). He affirmed, “Now, the board is independent and promotions will be concluded each year,” reinforcing the commitment to timely and fair promotion processes.
A total of seventy-nine individuals participated in the recent promotion exercise, but only 15 were selected for the four services, showcasing the competitive nature of the process. Among those promoted within the Immigration Service were notable figures such as DCGIs E. Anietum, Ada James Umanah, MC Dike, George Chamlong Didel, Umar Muhammed Tukur, Afolayan Ayeni, and Baffa Usman Nagado.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Comptroller General of the Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap; the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Dr. Ahmed Audi; the Controller General of Fire, Engr. Abdulganiyu Jaji; and the Controller General of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Haliru Nababa, among many other distinguished guests, all of whom gathered to celebrate this pivotal moment in the advancement of the paramilitary services.
