The Federal Government of Nigeria on Thursday decorated 16 newly promoted senior officers from the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Federal Fire Service (FFS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) with their new ranks, urging them to show loyalty, dedication, and selfless service to the nation.
The decoration ceremony, held at the headquarters of the Nigeria Immigration Service in Abuja, was presided over by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, alongside the officers’ spouses and top ministry officials.
Breakdown of Promotions Across Nigeria’s Paramilitary Agencies
- 6 officers promoted to Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG) in the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS)
- 4 officers promoted to Deputy Controller-General (DCG) in the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS)
- 3 officers promoted to Deputy Commandant-General (DCG) in the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
- 3 officers promoted to Deputy Commandant-General (DCG) in the Federal Fire Service (FFS)
In total, over 10,000 officers across all four services benefitted from the latest promotion exercise. These include Assistant Controllers-General, Controllers, and Assistant Controllers, among others.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasized that the promotions were strictly based on merit, competence, and seniority, following rigorous examinations conducted by the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja.
“This is the third set of promotions under the Tinubu administration since 2023, with over 52,000 officers benefiting from elevation in service,” the Minister noted.
He said the promotions mark a decisive break from the past where stagnation, poor morale, and lack of welfare plagued the paramilitary institutions.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a salary-for-life welfare package for Deputy Controller Generals and Controller Generals, signaling a new era of professional motivation in the sector.
“To whom much is given, much is expected,” Tunji-Ojo said, reiterating the administration’s commitment to reforms that meet global best practices across the paramilitary services.
Permanent Secretary Urges Integrity and Professionalism
Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, called on the promoted officers to justify the trust placed in them by President Tinubu and the Minister.
“Excellence must replace favouritism in our public service. You are now role models — live up to it,” she said.
Conclusion
The latest round of promotions and reform announcements reflects the Tinubu administration’s drive to revamp Nigeria’s paramilitary institutions, improve staff welfare, and entrench a culture of meritocracy and accountability.
The Ministry of Interior reaffirmed its commitment to continuous reform, urging newly promoted officers to embrace their new roles with integrity, professionalism, and a renewed sense of national duty.
