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By Abayomi Nurain Mumuni, DBA, PhD<\/p>\n\n\n\n
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu\u2019s recent approval of improved salaries and welfare packages for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces is a commendable step towards boosting morale, enhancing operational effectiveness, and rewarding the sacrifices made by those defending the nation. However, the salary adjustment has once again brought to the fore the longstanding welfare concerns of personnel in the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other paramilitary agencies whose contributions to national security are equally indispensable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The NSCDC performs critical security and civil protection functions across the country. Its personnel are involved in the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, counter-vandalism operations, anti-illegal mining activities, disaster management, intelligence gathering, agro-rangers operations, and the safeguarding of schools and communities. These responsibilities expose officers and men of the Corps to significant risks and challenges comparable to those faced by members of the military.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When military personnel receive substantial wage increases while officers of the NSCDC and other paramilitary organisations are left out, it creates an imbalance within the nation’s security architecture. Such disparities can foster feelings of neglect among officers who dedicate their lives to maintaining internal security and public safety under often difficult and hazardous conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A fair and balanced remuneration system is essential for sustaining morale, improving productivity, and retaining experienced personnel. Officers who feel adequately compensated are more likely to remain committed to their duties and less likely to seek alternative opportunities. Conversely, persistent wage disparities may affect motivation and weaken the operational capacity of institutions that play vital roles in national security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The importance of the NSCDC has become even more evident in recent years as the Corps has expanded its operations in combating illegal mining, protecting critical infrastructure, securing agricultural investments, and supporting efforts against criminal activities across the country. These achievements underscore the need for improved welfare packages that reflect the realities of the responsibilities entrusted to its personnel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other paramilitary agencies, including the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service, Federal Fire Service, and Nigeria Customs Service, also perform essential functions that contribute significantly to national stability, economic growth, and public safety. Their officers deserve equitable consideration in any comprehensive review of wages and welfare packages for uniformed services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Extending the salary increase to the NSCDC and other paramilitary agencies would demonstrate the Federal Government’s commitment to fairness, inclusiveness, and the holistic development of Nigeria’s security sector. It would also reinforce the principle that every institution charged with safeguarding lives, property, and national interests deserves recognition and support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond the issue of fairness, improved welfare for paramilitary personnel would strengthen recruitment, enhance professionalism, reduce attrition, and improve the overall effectiveness of agencies that are increasingly called upon to address emerging security challenges. A motivated workforce remains one of the most valuable assets in any security organisation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I therefore respectfully urge the Federal Government to undertake a comprehensive review of the salary structure of the NSCDC and other paramilitary agencies with a view to aligning their remuneration with contemporary realities and the strategic importance of their responsibilities. Such a decision would not only boost morale but also strengthen Nigeria’s collective capacity to address the complex security challenges confronting the nation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The security of any nation is only as strong as the commitment and welfare of those entrusted with protecting it. As the government continues to invest in national security, it is imperative that no segment of the country’s security architecture is overlooked. The men and women of the NSCDC and other paramilitary agencies deserve recognition, equitable compensation, and the assurance that their sacrifices are valued equally in the service of Nigeria.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
By Abayomi Nurain Mumuni, DBA, PhD President Bola Ahmed Tinubu\u2019s recent approval of improved salaries and welfare packages for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces is a commendable step towards…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":27773,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-27769","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pages"],"yoast_head":"\n