Federal Government yesterday decorated 16 promoted senior officers in Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigerian Correctional Service, the Federal Fire Service (FFS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps with new ranks.

The government urged them to reciprocate their appointments and promotions with loyalty, dedication, and selfless service.

Six officers were promoted in NIS to Deputy Comptrollers-General, four in Correctional Service to Deputy Controllers-General, three to Deputy Commandants-General in NSCDC, and three to Deputy Commandants-General in Federal Fire Service.

Over 10,000 benefited from the latest promotions.

The Nation gathered that Assistant Controllers-General, Controllers, and Assistant Controllers were among the beneficiaries.

During the decoration at NIS headquarters in Abuja, Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who decorated the senior officers with their ranks, said the promotions were based on seniority, merit, and competence.

The minister said they followed exams conducted by Nigerian Army Resource Centre in Abuja.

He said the promotions represented the third set conducted by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration since 2023, with over 52,000 beneficiaries.

Tunji-Ojo said the promotions and appointments ended the era of stagnation, poor morale, and poor welfare in the services.

The minister said President Tinubu approved consistent promotion, salary-for-life welfare packages for Deputy Controller Generals and Controller Generals in the services.

According to him, to who much is given, much is expected, as the Tinubu administration is committed to reforms and transformation to meet global standards and best practice.

Tunji-Ojo especially highlighted the ongoing reforms in passports production and acquisition processes as well as border management in the NIS.

The minister promised that the ministry would continue to pursue proactive and innovative measures that would change the narrative of the para-military services for the good of the country.

He said about 12 correctional centres are currently undergoing comprehensive renovations across the country, assuring Nigerians that the current administration would ensure that correctional facilities become reformative centres for inmates.

Tunji-Ojo announced that a modern Fire Academy is being built at Shika, Abuja, for the FFS, saying the nation’s fire service would soon transform into a truly rescue institution with top-notch facilities that would stand the test of time.

The minister praised the NSCDC for ensuring the protection and security of critical national assets and infrastructure.

He urged all the officers promoted to justify the promotions and avoid pursuing inordinate ambition.

The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, urged the newly promoted officers not to disappoint Mr President and the minister in their new roles.

He advised them to justify the promotions with higher standards of integrity and professionalism. (THE NATION)