The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has said the administration of President Bola Tinubu has ended decades of career stagnation in the nation’s paramilitary services with reforms that prioritise merit, welfare and rapid promotions.

Speaking Thursday in Abuja during the decoration ceremony of the newly appointed senior officers of the four paramilitary agencies under the Ministry of Interior, the minister said the elevation was more than a promotion, but a presidential appointment anchored on merit, competence and transparent processes.

The four agencies are Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Federal Fire Service (FFS).

The ranks includes Deputy Comptroller Generals, Deputy Controller Generals and Deputy Commandant Generals. 

According to Tunji-Ojo, the officers’ examinations were independently conducted and marked by the National Army Resource Centre, later ratified by the board.

“Your appointment came as a result of presidential approval. It is not just promotion but appointment. 

“None of you is here on courtesy, whether you deserve it or not. If you are good enough to be DCG, then you are good enough to be CG,” he said.

While stressing that federal character was applied to ensure inclusiveness across all geopolitical zones, the minister said seniority and merit remained the sole basis of the appointments.

“Many officers retired without attaining positions they merited, not because they lacked competence but because promotions were irregular. Today, this administration has promoted over 52,000 officers in just two years,”he said.

He recalled that vacancies for DCGs had in the past remained unfilled for 10 to 12 months, but said that the Tinubu administration had broken the jinx by consistently filling such positions.

Tunji-Ojo added that more than 80 per cent of those decorated as DCGs were promoted to ACG under the current government.

“This government has shown more support than any other in the history of the country. It believes that to whom much is given, much is expected,”he said.

He also charged the officers to give their best to the nation, noting that Nigeria deserved their loyalty, innovation, and commitment to excellence.

“To the Immigration Service, you must secure borders and strengthen border governance. To the Correctional Service, transform centres from mere incarceration facilities into hubs of rehabilitation and restoration of hope,”he said. 

“Fire service should to go beyond fire response by establishing itself as a leading rescue agency, NSCDC need to protect every inch of Nigeria’s critical assets by its mandate. 

“The time to rise to your responsibility is not tomorrow. It began yesterday. Let us be catalysts of change and show that government did not make a mistake in entrusting us with these mandates,”he said. 

He, however, expressed joy that she was among those celebrated this time while urging the new DCGs to cooperate with their CGs, show discipline, and resist lobbying.

“The higher you go, the more disciplined you need to be. You are now role models. Let your actions speak louder than words. Leave legacies for those coming behind you,” he advised.

The minister assured that the ministry would continue to innovate in line with global best practices, and encouraged the DCGs to contribute fresh ideas.

“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 emphasised that the ministry was giving its best and expected the same from officers to build paramilitary services that could compete globally.

“Show loyalty to Nigeria above anything else. Let the love of this country extinguish any flame of disloyalty. Be mentors, be role models, be catalysts of change,” he charged.

Speaking on behalf of the appointees, Dr Ngozi Odikpo, expressed gratitude to God for making the occasion possible and to President Bola Tinubu for entrusting them with the distinguished appointments.

She described the President’s commitment to the safety and security of the nation as a great source of strength, adding that his vision inspired them to serve with unwavering dedication and integrity.

Ngozi also acknowledged the  Minister of Interior, for what she described as exemplary leadership and unwavering support in guiding the officers toward their achievements.

“She further extended appreciation to the CGs of the respective services for their outstanding mentorship and leadership.

“We pledge to draw upon your wisdom and experience as we strive to uphold the high standards of our offices and meet the expectations entrusted to us with diligence and dedication,”she added.