In 2006, the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) welcomed over 800 Assistant Inspectors into its ranks. Full of ambition and eager to serve, over 100 of these officers pursued further education in 2009/2010, receiving authorization from the NIS to do so. They successfully completed their degrees in 2013/2014, harboring hopes of career advancement within the service. Upon graduation, they diligently submitted their degree certificates, underwent the required screening processes, and waited expectantly for the recognition and promotion they believed they had earned. However, their hopes were met with silence, and their careers stagnated, sparking a simmering discontent that has now, almost a decade later, erupted into a chorus of frustration and demands for justice.
The affected officers contend that their pursuit of higher education, sanctioned and encouraged by the NIS, has paradoxically become a stumbling block in their careers. They allege that despite being due for six promotions since their graduation, many have received only three or four, leaving them trailing behind their colleagues who did not pursue further education. This disparity in promotion rates has resulted in a bizarre scenario where junior officers, who were initially below them in rank, have now surpassed them, creating an anomalous hierarchy within the NIS. The affected officers feel betrayed by the system they dedicated themselves to, arguing that their commitment to self-improvement has been unjustly penalized. Their narrative paints a picture of a system riddled with inconsistencies and potential favoritism, where connections and influence appear to hold more sway than merit and dedication.
The crux of their grievance lies in the allegation that a small number of their colleagues, allegedly through personal connections and backdoor maneuvering, were promoted to the rank of Senior Inspector of Immigration through a replacement system. This effectively occupied the promotion quota that should have, by right, belonged to the officers who had earned their degrees. The affected officers feel robbed of opportunities, their investment in education rendered futile, and their dedication to the service seemingly disregarded. They argue that this practice not only undermines meritocracy but also fosters an environment of resentment and distrust within the NIS, potentially impacting morale and overall efficiency.
Adding to their frustration is the claim that after eight years of stagnation at the Inspector rank, they were finally promoted but placed on the same level as their juniors who had not yet reached the Inspector cadre. This levelled the playing field in a manner that disregarded their seniority and years of service. They feel their experience and qualifications have been devalued, and their commitment to the service has not been appropriately recognized. Their narrative highlights the need for a fair and transparent promotion system within the NIS, one that recognizes and rewards both academic achievement and years of dedicated service.
The affected officers are now appealing to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to intervene and rectify what they perceive as a gross injustice. They demand the restoration of their rightful ranks and the recognition of their lost years of seniority. They believe that their inclusion in the 2025 promotion exercise is crucial to rectifying this historical oversight and ensuring they receive the promotions they are due. Their plea represents a call for accountability and transparency within the NIS, urging the Minister to address the systemic issues that have led to this predicament and ensure that such disparities are not repeated in the future.
While the NIS spokesperson, Akinsola Akinlabi, has acknowledged the issue and stated that the service is currently reviewing the matter, the affected officers remain anxious. Their years of service and dedication hang in the balance, awaiting a resolution that will determine their future within the NIS. The outcome of this situation holds implications not only for the affected officers but also for the integrity and fairness of the promotion system within the Nigerian Immigration Service as a whole. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the importance of transparent and meritocratic promotion systems within public institutions, ensuring that dedication and hard work are rewarded and that opportunities for advancement are accessible to all deserving individuals.
