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Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior

Immigration Service: Special promotions as disincentive to professionalism By Dr. Charles Okafor

Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Mrs. Kemi Nandap

In any organisation, and more so, the Military and Para- Military institutions, promotions are earned, not given. Officers and men give in their best to earn promotions as at when due. It is usually agonising when an officer loses promotion for any reason.

As regimental organisations, seniority is held sacrosanct due to the command structure. Therefore, in an ideal situation, promotion is conducted meticulously to avoid distortions in the command structure that could result to upsets and dissatisfaction in the hierarchy.
Elevation in rank is guided by Service rules and procedures. It is not a largesse or reward to be given out based on whims or for frivolous reasons. IMM. ACT, 2015 (as amended), Part 1, is explicit on the issue of appointment and promotion of Officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). Section 3( b) of the same part should be considered in conjunction with 6(a-g), dealing with the Command structure of the Service. Unfortunately, the rank of Deputy Comptroller of Immigration (DCI) is not listed as one. This leaves one in quandary as to the status of the rank of DCI in the command structure of NIS.
◦The issue of special promotions within the NIS raises significant concerns about fairness, legality, and morale within the organization. Promotions in the civil service are governed by established regulations, and the Public Service Rules (PSR) 020701 to 020708 provide clear guidelines on eligibility, years of service, and required competence for promotion. The apparent disregard of these rules by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board, currently chaired by the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, brings into question the legitimacy of recent special promotions.
◦Firstly, the PSR clearly outlines that an officer must meet specific conditions, including the time spent on their current rank and demonstrated competence, to be eligible for promotion. Bypassing these rules to grant promotions out of turn undermines the merit-based structure that is essential for maintaining order, fairness, and morale in any public service organization. The use of “special promotions” appears to violate these statutory provisions.
◦While the Board may argue that the affected officers have performed exceptionally, one wonders if the duties performed to earn such rewards were outside the statutory functions assigned by the Immigration Act and manual. It is incumbent and expected of the Board to make public the criteria, especially duties performed by each officer to qualify for this illegality. The PSR also provides alternative ways to reward outstanding work that do not include promotions. Chapters 050101 to 050107 specifically detail rewards like commendations, honors, or awards. By ignoring these options and instead resort to granting promotions, the Board risks creating inequity within the service, where officers are promoted ahead of their peers without following due process.
◦This practice could be seen as both unfair and demoralizing, especially for officers who have met the formal requirements for promotion but are now being surpassed by their peers through these discretionary decisions. It not only undermines the principle of equity but also sets a negative precedent that could erode trust and discipline within the NIS. It is despicable and disheartening that a Comptroller of Immigration (CIS) who had a DCI as a subordinate today, will become a subordinate to the same DCI tomorrow based on this aberration called special promotions.
◦In conclusion, the special promotions granted by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board seem to have no clear legal or regulatory backing under the PSR. This action risks damaging the integrity of the promotion system and worsening morale among the rank and file of the NIS. The Board should reconsider these promotions, revert the affected officers to their proper ranks, and explore alternative, merit-based rewards that align with the PSR.
◦Okafor, Ph.D, fsi, pcc+ is a Retired Comptroller of Immigration Service (CIS).

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