THE Federal Government has revealed that the current administration of President Bola Tinubu has successfully promoted over 53,000 paramilitary officers between December 2023 and September 2024.
A lot of the officers across various ranks have been stagnated for over five to 10 years because of a system that did not encourage their career growth.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said this on Friday in Abuja, at a parley with newsmen to mark his one year in office.
He disclosed in December 2023, the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), with him as the chairman, secured approval from President Tinubu for the promotion of over 32,000 personnel of the paramilitary services in a day.
He added that the 2024 promotion exercise has been concluded with over 20,000 officers being promoted to their various new ranks.
He also disclosed that one of his earliest initiative on assumption office to decongest the Correctional Centres, was to raise funds from the private sector to secure the release of over 4000 inmates who had been behind the bars for several years because of their inability to pay the option of fine of between N5000 to N15,000.
He noted that apart decongestion of prisons, the release of the inmates last year has saved the government over N1 billion annually of the inmates feeding money.
He also spoke on the war against vandalism and oil theft declared by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), disclosing that about 2,254 vandals and oil, bunkers have been arrested in the last 12 months, with 550 currently under prosecution while 122 convictions have been secured by the government.
In addition, the NSCDC disrupted organised crime networks by destroying 150 illegal refineries and 64 illegal oil dumps.
He noted the efforts were geared towards ending vandalism and ensuring the protection of critical infrastructure across the country.
Tunji-Ojo revealed that NSCDC was in the process of licensing an additional 178 private security companies to boost security across the country.
According to him, a total of 3,394 private security guards have undergone rigorous training, while the sector generated an impressive revenue of N861,620,500 in the last one year.
The Minister said: “In just one year, we have made significant strides. From day one, my focus was to break through the bottlenecks and inefficiencies that have plagued our institutions for decades.
“One of our first major achievements was completing long-overdue promotions within the promotion year, a feat that had not been accomplished in the 38-year history of the Board.
“This was more than just a process; it was about restoring faith, boosting morale, and ensuring that our officers feel valued and motivated to serve
“Our personnel have received extensive training to maintain readiness in the face of evolving security challenges. Over the past year, 21,383 senior officers and 2,551 junior officers were promoted, while 818 junior officers were upgraded to senior officer cadre, ensuring a motivated and capable workforce.
“We have also prioritized the National Plan on Safe School initiative, providing a secure environment for our children to learn without fear.”
In the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), the minister said to enhance operational efficiency and inmate welfare across various regions his leadership has completed projects such as the renovation of administrative and kitchen blocks, the construction of official quarters, and the installation of security infrastructure like perimeter fences.
“In Niger State, we completed the renovation of the administrative block and constructed a new kitchen block at Suleja. In Kano State, we reconstructed an observation tower with a mini-armoury, strengthening security measures. In Lagos State, we built a 96-capacity solid concrete cell block at the Kirikiri Maximum Security facility, improving accommodation for inmates.”
On Immigration Service, Dr. Tunji-Ojo said his leadership has embarked on a comprehensive overhaul of the passport issuance process, addressing long-standing issues that have frustrated millions of Nigerians.
He revealed that NIS has also implemented contactless technology, streamlining the passport application process and improving overall efficiency, saying the pre-launch would be done on October 1, 2024.
“The days of bottlenecks and endless paperwork are behind us. Today, Nigerians experience a faster, more transparent, and seamless passport issuance process.
“One of our key accomplishments was clearing a massive backlog of 204,332 passport applications, a backlog that had left many citizens stranded for months if not years. Today, I can proudly say that we have not only addressed this challenge but we have introduced home delivery services for passports.
“This innovation ensures that Nigerians no longer have to endure the stress of traveling long distances or waiting in long queues. Passports are now delivered directly to the homes of applicants, a service that has brought immense relief to thousands.
“We are also installing a total of 41 e-gates at our airports (eight at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, 21 slated for the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, and four each at the international airports in Kano, Enugu, and Port Harcourt) offering diasporan Nigerians and returning citizens an automated, hassle-free screening process.
“This innovation not only improves efficiency at entry points but also ensures that our citizens abroad return home with pride and ease,” he stated.
In Federal Fire Service, the Minister said: “One of our landmark achievements in this sector has been the remodelling and groundbreaking of the National Fire Academy in Sheda, Abuja. This academy will serve as a national hub for training, research, and development, ensuring that our fire personnel are equipped with cutting-edge skills and knowledge to tackle fire-related emergencies.
“Additionally, we recognised that the existing legal framework guiding fire services in Nigeria was outdated and insufficient to meet current demands. As a result, we have initiated efforts towards passing a comprehensive Fire Act to replace the antiquated 1963 law. This new legislation will modernise fire safety protocols and give the FFS the legal backing it needs to operate effectively in today’s world.”
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