CDCFIB

At the meeting of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) today, we made far-reaching decisions to improve career progress and welfare of personnel across our paramilitary agencies. In a historic step to boost morale and recognize meritorious service, the Board approved the promotion of over 27,000 officers across our four services. To further support our workforce, we validated a comprehensive healthcare policy framework designed to promote the health, fitness, and overall well-being of all officers and men. On recruitment, we reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to enlist 120,000 young Nigerians into our paramilitary services over our first tenure. The process for the first tranche of 30,000 candidates has advanced, with the portal opening from 28th October to 13th November 2026 for those who have reached the oral interview stage. Apparently, with this latest exercise, total promotions across the paramilitary agencies under the Ministry of Interior since His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR assumed office now stand at well over 100,000 officers. This comprises over 32,000 officers promoted in 2023, over 20,000 in 2024, more than 24,000 in 2025, and the just concluded over 27,000 approved today in 2026. In the Ministry of Interior, this sustained record reflects the Renewed Hope Agenda’s unwavering commitment to ending career stagnation and building a well-motivated, disciplined, and fit workforce capable of discharging its constitutional responsibilities effectively.

The three-day 2026 Sectoral Retreat of the Ministry of Interior was brought to a successful close today with the signing of the 2026 Performance Contract Bonds between the Honourable Minister and the Chief Executive Officers of the Ministry’s agencies. The signing ceremony marked the climax of the intensive retreat, which focused on reviewing progress, strengthening institutional performance, and aligning the Ministry’s strategic priorities with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. These are living proof that focused leadership, cutting-edge technology, and unbreakable teamwork are delivering tangible, life-changing results for every Nigerian. Today, we didn’t just talk, we acted. I personally signed the 2026 Performance Contract Bonds with our agency CEOs, a sacred pact of accountability, measurable impact, and an unbreakable commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda. With these bonds now sealed, the momentum only accelerates from here!

Following recent complaints from applicants into the paramilitary agencies who are still unable to determine their fate due to the ongoing upload of information, I have directed the Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board to ensure that all uploads are completed IMMEDIATELY.

Yesterday, I received the House of Representatives Committee on Reformatory Institutions, led by the Chairman, Rt Hon. Chinedu Ogah. We deliberated on the critical need for comprehensive reforms to enhance the welfare of inmates, improve infrastructure, and ensure the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) aligns with global standards of rehabilitation and reintegration. As stakeholders in government, under the #RenewedHope agenda of President @officialABAT Tinubu, we remain committed in our quest and continued efforts to reform our correctional institution.

Earlier today, I chaired the board meeting where we took key decisions including the approval for promotion of Ninety-Five (95) top management officers of all agencies under the ministry. Also, during the meeting, we considered and approved the constitution of a committee to develop a harmonised Scheme of Service for the four services. Amongst other deliberations, we approved the commencement of recruitment process into the four (4) Services as well as the Board Secretariat from Monday 14th of July 2025.

As the Chairman of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), I presided over the first meeting of the Board in 2025, today. During the meeting, Major General Abdulmalik Jibrin (Rtd) was officially inaugurated as the new Secretary to the Board, following his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR). I believe his appointment will bring significant value to the CDCFIB, given his wealth of experience and enviable track records.