To address long-standing concerns, the Federal Government has announced a significant shift in recruitment guidelines for the Civil Defense, Fire, Correctional and Immigration Services.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, revealed that going forward, 35 percent of recruitment slots will be allocated to women, marking a crucial step towards addressing gender imbalances in these crucial sectors.
He made the announcement at the conclusion of the board meeting for the Civil Defense, Fire, Correctional and Immigration Services in Abuja on Friday, January 19, 2024.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized that the allocation to women is part of broader efforts to reform and modernize the operations of the Nigeria Immigration Service.
This modernization initiative spans various aspects, including training, recruitment, promotion, professionalism, and the deployment of cutting-edge technologies, he noted.
The ongoing recruitment process for the Federal Fire Service will be guided by these new directives, which prioritize professionalism and adhere to the principles of Federal Character, the minister said, adding that the move reflects a commitment to address systematic issues within these services and ensure a fair and inclusive recruitment process.
However, the positive shift in recruitment practices is not without its challenges. Tunji-Ojo issued a warning to prospective applicants, urging them to be cautious of scammers.
He noted that the government is already aware of certain individuals soliciting money under the guise of facilitating recruitment into the Fire Service, and emphasized that such activities will be thoroughly investigated.
The Comptroller-General of Immigration, Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju, provided additional insights into the modernization plans for the Immigration Service.
She highlighted the emphasis on capacity building and specialization along professional lines, aimed at ensuring promotions are based on merit rather than routine.
While the new recruitment guidelines align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the interior minister reiterated that the focus on addressing gender disparities and improving overall professionalism within these security agencies takes precedence in this latest development.
He said the Services are expected to release recruitment timelines in due course, as the government takes proactive steps to curb fraudulent activities associated with the recruitment process.
