By JOHN GOODLUCK

Leaving a legacy of harmonization of paramilitary salary by President Muhammadu Buhari before leaving office on May 29, 2023 is important for several reasons. It will be a source of motivation, encouragement, and reward inspiring paramilitary personnel to strive for more successes that will enhance Nigeria’s economy, security, integration in synergy with or without other security agencies.

Forty per cent (40%) increment was recently added to all public servants in ministries and agencies. We were promised same and we believed it but are disappointed to be told that Mr President is yet to approve it.

A committee was set up by the President to harmonize the Paramilitary rank and salary with that of Police. For over one year the committee has done its work in collaboration with the Salaries and Wages Commission. We were told in December 2022 that Minister of Finance had communicated the outcome to the President for approval but we have not received any positive result since then.

Many of us have been to so many training programmes since 2020 but without training allowance. I myself underwent six months recruit course without training allowance. In 2021 I went to Arms Basic Recruitment Training in Correctional Training School Owerri – no training allowance. In 2022 I went to Kotangora, Niger State, in Nigerian Army Training College without training allowance. In fact, I paid my way to the training venue but Nigerian Correctional Service never paid us the training allowance till date.

Many of us have been promoted after delayed promotions without arrears. Correctional officers, for example, have been denied promotions till date. Mr. President, please come to our rescue before you leave office.

Review of salary of Paramilitary personnel was mentioned by the President during the EndSARS protest along with that of the Police. However, while the Police have received their own complete, Paramilitary personnel have waited in vain for the fulfillment of Mr. President’s promise.

As I write, a Police Inspector receives nothing less than N160,000 a month while Paramilitary Inspectors are paid N68,000 or less.

Another example: Confirmed Inspector of Immigration is on CGL7 while confirmed Inspector of Police is on CGL 8. Similarly, Superintendent of Immigration is on CGL11 while Superintendent of Police is on CGL12.

The gaps in salaries for different ranks give the unfortunate impression that the current administration does not truly value the efforts of the Paramilitary.

Our Dear President Buhari, please hear our cry and wipe our tears. We shall celebrate you and your administration forever if you listen to our cry and begin payment of harmonization for paramilitary before handing over on May 29. We are waiting with hope!

•John Goodluck is a penname used to protect the identity of the writer.

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