Nigerian Paramilitary Officers Lament Salary Deductions, Minister Orders Probe
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has initiated an investigation into allegations of salary deductions and unpaid promotion arrears affecting officers in Nigeria’s paramilitary services.
The affected personnel, including members of the Nigeria Prisons Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), claim they have not received their promotion arrears and are facing unexplained deductions by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
The officers called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene, questioning why their allowances remain unpaid despite the release of funds.
The officers also highlighted that their counterparts in the Federal Fire Service and other agencies under the Ministry of Interior have already received their promotions and entitlements.
Minister’s Response
Responding to these concerns, the Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board, Ahmed Ja’afaru, assured officers that a detailed investigation is underway.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Ja’afaru said:
“The attention of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board has been drawn to an online publication of complaints from officers of the paramilitary services under its purview, alleging deductions from their salaries by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System, as well as delays in the payment of promotion arrears.
“Consequently, the Minister/Chairman of the Board, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has directed that a comprehensive investigation be carried out forthwith by the Board on the matter while calling on officers of the paramilitary services to remain calm.”
Ja’afaru reassured officers that the board is committed to swiftly resolving the issues and ensuring fair treatment for all personnel.
The situation has drawn attention to broader concerns over the treatment of paramilitary officers and the need for transparency in salary and promotion processes.