The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has announced that vacant top management positions in the four paramilitary services will be filled by the end of March 2025.
The chairman of the Board and Minister of Interior, represented by the Controller-general of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Abdulganiyu Jaji, shared this update with journalists after a closed-door meeting.
He pointed out that many Services currently lack Deputy Controller Generals (DCGs) and Assistant Controller Generals (ACGs), with officers temporarily covering these roles without formal appointments.
He said, “In some services, officers are merely covering duties, which is not ideal,” Abdulganiyu explained. “As a result, the Board has decided that these positions will be filled starting Monday, March 9. Accreditation of officers will take place from March 9 to March 11, with the entire process set to conclude by the end of March.”
The Minister further clarified that the selection process for these key positions will be structured and include screening, written exams, and oral interviews.
He emphasised that the process would be conducted fairly and in alignment with the federal character principle.
Additionally, Jaji announced that the Board has approved a handbook to guide its operations, which will soon be circulated to all services and made publicly available.
The Board also acknowledged that many ACG positions are currently held on a covering-duty basis, a situation they intend to regularise.
He added that to facilitate this, accreditation for promotion of eligible officers will occur on the slated date.
Moreover, the Board ratified the 2024 promotion exercises, confirming personnel advancements based on merit. Though specific numbers were not revealed, the process, according to Engr Jaji, will involve eligibility screening, written exams, and oral assessments.
He further explained that a waiver has also been granted, allowing officers with three years at their current rank to sit for promotional exams, instead of the usual four-year requirement.
“These promotions are strictly internal and based on merit. Only officers who meet the necessary criteria will be considered,” Abdulganiyu Jaji stated.
