The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered a thorough investigation into allegations of salary deductions and unpaid promotion arrears affecting personnel in Nigeria’s paramilitary services. These issues have sparked widespread concern among officers in the Nigeria Prisons Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS).
Complaints from Officers
The affected officers allege unexplained deductions from their salaries by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) and claim that their promotion arrears remain unpaid despite government funding being allocated. In their appeal, they urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene, pointing out that officers in other agencies under the Ministry of Interior, such as the Federal Fire Service, have already received their entitlements.
Ministerial Intervention
Ahmed Ja’afaru, Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board, issued a statement on Sunday addressing the situation. He acknowledged the complaints and affirmed that Minister Tunji-Ojo, who also chairs the board, has directed a comprehensive investigation into the allegations.
Ja’afaru called for calm among the officers and reassured them of the government’s commitment to resolving the issues promptly. He emphasized that the board is dedicated to ensuring transparency and fair treatment for all personnel in the affected services.
Broader Implications
This situation has highlighted systemic challenges in managing salaries and promotions within Nigeria’s paramilitary organizations. Calls for increased transparency and accountability in payroll and personnel management underscore the need for urgent reforms to address these recurring issues.
