The Nigerian government has launched an investigation into allegations of unlawful salary deductions affecting officers in paramilitary agencies.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, ordered the probe following claims from officers within the Nigeria Prisons Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS).
The officers have been facing unexplained deductions in their salaries and are demanding unpaid promotion arrears.
Despite the release of funds, the affected personnel say they have not received their rightful promotion benefits.
The officers are now calling on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the matter, questioning why they have not been paid despite the funds being available.
They have also pointed out that their counterparts in the Federal Fire Service have already received their promotions and entitlements.
This issue has sparked outrage among the officers, who feel that they are being unfairly treated compared to others in the same ministry.
The Ministry of Interior is under scrutiny as this issue grows, with officers demanding transparency and fair treatment.
Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has responded to the crisis by directing an investigation to uncover the truth behind the allegations.
A statement from the Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board, Ahmed Ja’afaru, confirmed that the investigation is already underway.
Ja’afaru urged officers to remain calm as the probe takes place and assured them that the situation would be resolved swiftly.
In his statement, 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.”
“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 continued.
He reassured the officers that the board is committed to resolving the issue and ensuring that all personnel are treated fairly.
This situation has raised broader concerns over the treatment of paramilitary officers in Nigeria.
The issues surrounding salary deductions and delayed promotions have highlighted a need for greater transparency in the payroll and promotion processes for personnel in these agencies.
The officers involved are not just seeking their rightful pay but are also demanding answers on why they have been subjected to these financial injustices for so long.
The investigation is expected to shed light on the causes of the deductions and the delays in the promotion payments.
