Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has revealed that over 32,000 officers were promoted across the paramilitary agencies in 2023, clearing a promotion backlog inherited from the previous administration.
The minister, who stated this during the graduation parade of 714 cadets of the 49th superintendent basic course in 2024 at the Immigration Training School in Kano, stressed the federal government’s commitment to prioritising officers’ welfare, adding that they would not have to wait for an extended period without promotions.
He said, “As I speak, the promotion for 2024 is almost complete. Never again will our officers wait for one or two years to get a promotion which is your right.
“Even though it costs the government money, we understand your role in sacrificing your comfort and lives. We appreciate the sacrifice and every second that you live. For this, we cannot appreciate you enough.”
He, however, urged the cadets to be officers indeed by being patriotic, selfless and efficient in order to build a career that inspires, noting that their responsibility does not stop at issuing passport alone but also in protecting the country’s terrestrial borders.
Earlier in her address, Kemi Nandap, controller general of the Nigeria Immigration Service, warned the graduates to stay away from politics, saying the service will not hesitate to sanction any erring officer who deviates from its set objectives.
While urging them to be diligent and professional in the discharge of their duties, the CG, however, highlighted Service commitment towards full implementation of the e-boarder project to facilitate real-time surveillance and monitoring of strategic borders and installation of the e-gates at the international airports across the country for a more effective and efficient surveillance system.