The Federal Government has started investigating complaints about salary deductions and unpaid promotion arrears for officers in the Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigerian Immigration Service, and Federal Fire Service.
The complaints center on alleged irregularities linked to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System.
Ahmed Ja’afaru, Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board, announced the investigation on Sunday, December 1, 2024, through a statement.
“The Minister and Board chairman, Hon. (Dr.) Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has directed an immediate and thorough investigation into the complaints of salary deductions and delays in promotion arrears payments. We urge all affected officers to remain calm,” the statement said.
The announcement follows threats of a nationwide protest by frustrated paramilitary officers, who claim they have been repeatedly underpaid and denied their promotion entitlements.
“We are constantly victimized by IPPIS. Our financial rights are denied, including promotion arrears and other entitlements,” one officer complained. Another officer added, “This month, we were severely underpaid, and it feels intentional.”
Some officers believe the government’s planned probe is merely a political gesture. “The Board has ignored our petitions multiple times. This investigation is just to deflect attention from the real issues,” one aggrieved officer said.
The Nigerian Correctional Service spokesman, Abubakar Umar, cautioned against protests, reminding officers that it violates service rules. He encouraged them to use official channels for their grievances.
Similarly, NSCDC spokesman Babawale Afolabi assured that the Corps Commandant-General, Dr. Abubakar Ahmed Audi, was working to resolve all salary-related issues before the end of the month.
From the Office of the Accountant-General, Bawa Mokwa explained that promotion arrears are being processed in batches due to funding limits. He also clarified that salary deductions are standard, covering pensions, income tax, and association dues.
Despite these assurances, many officers remain skeptical about seeing real solutions.
