The Federal Government has promoted 53,501 paramilitary officers across agencies under the Ministry of Interior within 18 months, according to Interior Minister, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, SAVANNAH NEWSNOW REPORTS.
He stated this during a decoration ceremony for promoted officers of the Nigeria Correctional Service in Abuja.
The promoted officers are from the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Fire Service, and Nigeria Correctional Service.
Tunji-Ojo attributed the achievement to the current administration’s commitment to recognising and rewarding the hard work and dedication of officers.
He stated that the government ensured promotions were made within the calendar year as a matter of right, rather than as a favour.
He also mentioned that the Ministry prioritised the welfare of all personnel, acknowledging their sacrifices and dedication to duty.
“In the last two years, within the last 18 months under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, we’ve been able to promote 53,501 officers.
“Last year in NCoS, we promoted 4,704 and this year in NCoS, we promoted 5,329. So, that puts over 10,000 officers promoted within 18 months in NCoS.
“And we made it a proper duty to say that your promotion must be within the calendar year, and as a matter of fact, your promotion is a right if earned and that’s the truth.
“It is not a favour because it is a responsibility of an employer to make sure that you’re promoted, Just as it is the responsibility of the employer to make sure that you’re paid.
“And this particular administration came on board and we decided that even your welfare has to be prioritised,” he said.
Tunji-Ojo, however, said that the NCoS recorded significant milestones in its reform efforts, despite recent challenges.
He, however, acknowledged that the NCoS played a critical role in maintaining public safety and rehabilitating offenders.
“As the bridge to the most vulnerable in society, correctional officers are the strength of the weakest, the voice of the voiceless, and the hope of the hopeless,” he said.
The minister emphasised that the selfless service and sacrifices of correctional officers have not gone unnoticed.
He added that many officers have put their families on the line making the ultimate sacrifice to defend the nation and ensure public safety.
He assured that the government remained committed to supporting correctional officers in their critical work.
Tunji-Ojo called on all officers to join forces with the government to eliminate the few bad eggs that were tarnishing the image of the service.
He emphasised that the fight against indiscipline, corruption, and unprofessionalism was a collective responsibility that required the commitment and dedication of all officers.
“The NCoS has been working tirelessly to address the challenges facing the service, including the menace of indiscipline, corruption, and unprofessionalism.
“To whom much is given, much is expected.
“With the support of the government and the dedication of its personnel, the NCoS is poised to achieve greater heights in its reform efforts, ultimately contributing to a safer and more secure society for all Nigerians,” he said.
