FG’ll improve welfare package of paramilitary personnel, says Tunji-Ojo

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, minister of interior, says the federal government is committed to improving the welfare package of paramilitary personnel in the country.

The minister spoke on Wednesday during the launch of a new uniform for personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Abuja.

He said reforms are underway to rejig and improve the operations of paramilitary personnel in the country.

“As a government, we are putting in all that we can to ensure that we provide and support our agencies with the right materials, and of course the right knowledge that is needed to deliver,” Tunji-Ojo said.

“We will continue to support you. We will continue to work on the welfare and training of our officers because it is paramount.

“And, of course, we will continue to invest in you because we know that the dividend of our investment is enhanced security.

“Be rest assured of my support. Be rest assured of the support of the President of the federal republic of Nigeria.

“Be rest assured that your sacrifices are not in vain. We appreciate your sleepless nights because your lack of sleep is the enabler of our sleep.”

The minister also promised a review of salaries of paramilitary officers.

“We are working on the promotion exercise of personnel of all our paramilitary agencies, and in a couple of weeks, it will be out,” he said.

“We are doing this to bring the era of career stagnation to an end. People should enter the service with the anticipation that one day he/she can become the comptroller-general or commandant-general, as the case may be.

“We are working on your peculiar allowance, and you can be assured of getting your entitlement soon.

“We are also working on the review of your salary. As a board, we are working with the salaries and wages commission to ensure the upward review of the salaries of our paramilitary officers.”

Ahmed Audi, NSCDC commandant-general, said the new uniform would give NSCDC personnel a sense of pride amongst their contemporaries within the security circle.