The Federal Government has opened the recruitment portal for the first batch of 30000 personnel into the paramilitary services while approving the promotion of 27624 officers across the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) and Federal Fire Service (FFS).
Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Civil Defence Correctional Service Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced the decisions after the board’s meeting in Abuja.
He said the recruitment formed part of the approval by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to recruit 120000 fresh personnel to strengthen the capacity of the paramilitary agencies. The portal for successful candidates will open on October 28.
Tunji-Ojo said the candidates would undergo drug tests with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in their states before receiving letters of appointment.
He also disclosed that 228 personnel were sanctioned for alleged misconduct indiscipline and behaviour incompatible with their duties during the period under review.
The minister said the board’s decisions reflected ongoing reforms in the ministry and Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of paramilitary personnel including promotions and payment of relevant allowances.
Tunji-Ojo said the board approved promotions at various ranks for 27624 officers.
He gave the breakdown as 17343 personnel of the NSCDC 4601 of the NCoS 4097 of the NIS and 1583 of the FFS.
He described the exercise as unprecedented and commended the President for his commitment to the welfare of personnel of the services.
‘Promotions at various ranks were passed and approved by the board this afternoon. And I’m glad to say that a total of 27624 officers have been promoted to different ranks’ Tunji-Ojo said.
The minister said the board also considered and validated a healthcare policy framework aimed at ensuring the fitness and wellness of officers and men of the four paramilitary institutions.
According to him the policy is part of measures to boost morale and enable personnel to discharge their duties effectively.
‘In keeping with the statutory responsibility of the board in relation to the Nigerian Correctional Service the Nigerian Immigration Service the Federal Fire Service and of course the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps the board considered promotion and welfare as well as disciplinary issues’ he said.
Tunji-Ojo said the 228 personnel sanctioned were found wanting for various acts of misconduct indiscipline and behaviour inimical to their calls of duty.
He said the measures underscored the government’s resolve to strengthen discipline improve welfare and build a more capable paramilitary workforce.