Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has disclosed that more than 52,000 officers across Nigeria’s paramilitary services have been promoted within the last two years under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The minister made the announcement during the decoration ceremony of newly appointed Deputy Comptroller/Controller/Commandant Generals of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Federal Fire Service (FFS).
Tunji-Ojo said the mass promotions were part of ongoing reforms to end career stagnation and restore dignity within the services. He explained that the elevation of the new deputy heads was not merely a promotion but a presidential appointment anchored on merit, competence, and transparency.
“Your appointment came as a result of presidential approval. It is not just promotion but appointment. None of you is here on courtesy. If you are good enough to be DCG, then you are good enough to be CG,” he told the newly decorated officers.
He noted that promotion examinations were independently conducted and marked by the National Army Resource Centre before being ratified by the board. While federal character was applied to ensure inclusiveness, seniority and merit remained the sole criteria.
The minister recalled that in the past, officers retired without attaining positions they merited due to irregular promotions, with vacancies for deputy comptroller generals left unfilled for as long as a year. He said the Tinubu administration had changed the narrative by consistently promoting deserving officers and filling positions promptly.
“Today, this administration has promoted over 52,000 officers in just two years. More than 80 per cent of those decorated as DCGs were promoted to ACG under this government,” he said.
Highlighting other reforms, Tunji-Ojo listed increased salaries, peculiar allowances, eradication of career stagnation, and approval of life pensions for retired DCGs and CGs as part of government’s commitment to welfare.
He charged the officers to justify their elevation by strengthening service delivery: securing Nigeria’s borders, transforming correctional centres into rehabilitation hubs, repositioning the fire service as a rescue agency, and protecting critical national assets.
The minister urged discipline, loyalty, and innovation, stressing that officers must leave lasting legacies. “The higher you go, the more disciplined you need to be. You are now role models. Let your actions speak louder than words,” he advised.
Tunji-Ojo also cited ongoing reforms, including centralised passport processing, upgraded correctional facilities such as the Kuje Centre, enhanced infrastructure at the Federal Fire Academy, and improved NSCDC operations in critical asset protection.
He assured that the ministry would continue to drive innovation in line with global best practices. “We do not have a monopoly of knowledge. We want to listen, collaborate, and work with you. Great leaders are those who leave greater legacies,” he said.
