By Goodluck Ikiebe
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has assured paramilitary personnel of government’s readiness to fulfill its commitment towards facilitating complimentary compensation for their sacrifices as security officers.
The Minister gave the assurance in Abuja during the launch of a new uniform for men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC.
Commending the initiative of the NSCDC boss, the Minister noted that the new uniform would give NSCDC officers a sense of pride amongst their contemporaries within the security circle.
On plans by the federal government to rejig and improve the service, the Minister noted that reforms were underway to enhance the welfare packages of paramilitary personnel.
As part of the key reforms anticipated, the Minister explained that the government had constituted a committee to map out un-influenced promotion of personnel as well as draw out a pension board that can take care of officers after their retirement from the service.
“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.
“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 dividends of our investment is enhanced security”.
While assuring paramilitary personnel of the President’s regards for their welfare, the minister acknowledged their sacrifices to defend the nation against deviants.
“We are working on the establishment of a paramilitary pension board so that in service and in retirement our men can know that there is assurance of good life”.
While presenting the new set of camouflaged uniform to the Minister, the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr Ahmed Audi, expressed excitement over the assurance of the Minister to boost the morale of officers through befitting welfare packages.
