The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered a thorough investigation into allegations of salary deductions and delays in the payment of promotion arrears affecting personnel under the ministry’s supervision, particularly those involved with the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

In a statement issued on Sunday, Ahmed Ja’afaru, Secretary to the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), reassured personnel that the government was addressing the issue and urged calm while the investigation is conducted.

The complaints, which have been circulating online, involve officers from the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), and the Federal Fire Service (FFS). These personnel claimed that deductions were being made from their salaries via IPPIS, and their promotion arrears were delayed.

Minister Tunji-Ojo, who also chairs the CDCFIB, directed an immediate and comprehensive investigation. “The Board is committed to resolving these issues swiftly and positively,” the statement noted.

Amidst the complaints, personnel from the affected agencies were reportedly planning a nationwide protest, citing underpayment of entitlements, including promotion arrears. Some officers expressed dissatisfaction with what they described as being “grossly underpaid” despite government approvals.

One post from disgruntled officers stated: “We are seriously oppressed, victimized, and robbed by IPPIS. Our financial rights are not given to us, such as promotion arrears, and underpayment of all entitlements.”

In response, Bawa Mokwa, spokesperson for the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, clarified that the promotion arrears were being paid in batches based on available funds, a payment method not unique to paramilitary personnel.