FG’s Disruption of Hierarchical Progression in Paramilitary Agencies

The Nigerian government has been steadily undermining the career progression within key paramilitary agencies, namely the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Customs Service, and Nigeria Immigration Service. This trend has been propagated by both former President Muhammadu Buhari and incumbent President Bola Tinubu. Under their watch, numerous deputy inspectors general of Police, deputy comptroller-general of Immigration and Customs have been forcefully retired before achieving the age of 60 and 35 years of service, respectively.

This has led to a high rate of premature retirement, primarily due to stagnation, political interference, favoritism, and nepotism.

The extension of tenures for the Comptroller-General of NCS, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi; Comptroller-General of NIS, Kemi Nanna Nandap, and Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun has only exacerbated the situation. They have forced officers who would have naturally succeeded them into stagnation or retirement. The Nigeria Labour Act stipulates that heads of these agencies retire at the age of 60 or 35 years in service, whichever comes first.

However, this rule has been manipulated by successive presidents, preventing senior officers from reaching the pinnacle of their careers.

This disruption in the hierarchical progression not only hinders the career advancement of the currently serving officers but also breeds frustration and diminishes morale. These officers, who have dedicated years of their lives to public service, could have been left to retire and later considered for other strategic positions within the agencies, rather than obstructing the career progression of their successors.

To strengthen these institutions, it is crucial to create opportunities for career progression, rather than weakening the institutions through decisions that undermine their structural integrity.