Abuja — October 31, 2025
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) to immediately complete the ongoing upload of applicant information for the current recruitment exercise across Nigeria’s paramilitary agencies.
The directive, announced on Friday, follows widespread complaints from applicants who have expressed frustration over their inability to verify the status of their submissions several weeks after completing various stages of the recruitment process.
The order, which was made public through a post on the Minister’s official Facebook page, comes amid heightened public scrutiny of the recruitment exercise into key national security agencies — the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Federal Fire Service (FFS), and the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS).
Rising Public Frustration
Thousands of Nigerian applicants, who had completed online applications and computer-based tests as part of the recruitment process, have taken to social media to express concerns over the prolonged silence from the CDCFIB.
Many say they have been unable to track their recruitment progress or determine their eligibility for the next stage. Some reported difficulties accessing the official portal, while others alleged that the process lacked transparency.
Addressing these concerns, Dr. Tunji-Ojo said the government was aware of the delay and attributed it to ongoing technical work involving the upload and synchronization of applicant data.
“Following recent complaints from applicants into the paramilitary agencies who are still unable to determine their fate due to the ongoing upload of information, I have directed the Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board to ensure that all uploads are completed immediately,” the Minister stated.
He assured applicants that the process would be concluded “without further delay,” emphasizing that no eligible applicant would be left behind due to the data backlog.
Understanding the Recruitment Process
The ongoing recruitment exercise is one of the largest paramilitary intakes in recent years, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s internal security architecture and filling critical manpower gaps in the country’s uniformed services.
The CDCFIB, established under the Ministry of Interior, oversees the recruitment, promotion, and discipline of personnel in the NSCDC, NCoS, FFS, and NIS.
The recruitment process involves several stages — online application, computer-based testing (CBT), physical verification, documentation, and final selection. Each stage is designed to ensure merit-based selection in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
However, insiders at the CDCFIB say the recruitment portal has been overwhelmed by the sheer number of applications received nationwide, leading to delays in processing and uploading applicant information.
A source within the Board, who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly, revealed that technical issues related to server congestion, data merging, and verification challenges were being resolved.
“We are currently in the process of uploading and reconciling thousands of applicant profiles from across the country. The process has been slow because of the need for accuracy and data integrity, but we are now close to completion,” the source explained.
Minister’s Reform Agenda
Since assuming office in August 2023, Dr. Tunji-Ojo has championed a series of digital reforms in Nigeria’s internal security and immigration systems, including the automation of passport applications, improved border management infrastructure, and modernization of fire service operations.
His approach to governance has been defined by efficiency, transparency, and technology-driven service delivery — principles he says are also guiding the ongoing paramilitary recruitment exercise.
In his statement on Friday, the Minister emphasized that the Tinubu administration remains committed to merit-based recruitment and warned that no applicant should attempt to use political connections or bribery to influence the outcome.
“The process will be transparent and merit-driven. Recruitment into our paramilitary services will continue to reflect competence, fairness, and integrity,” he said.
The directive to complete the data upload immediately, according to officials, aligns with the administration’s drive to restore public confidence in government recruitment and ensure that all qualified applicants are given equal opportunity.
What the CDCFIB Does
The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) serves as the central administrative body for four major paramilitary organizations under the Ministry of Interior.
Its primary mandate includes overseeing recruitment, managing personnel records, handling promotions and disciplinary actions, and ensuring the professional development of officers.
Each of the services under the CDCFIB plays a vital role in national security:
- NSCDC (Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps) — Responsible for critical infrastructure protection, disaster management, and supporting internal security operations.
- NIS (Nigeria Immigration Service) — Oversees border control, passport issuance, and migration management.
- NCoS (Nigeria Correctional Service) — Manages the nation’s correctional centers and inmate rehabilitation programs.
- FFS (Federal Fire Service) — Handles fire prevention, firefighting, and emergency response across Nigeria.
The ongoing recruitment exercise, which covers these four agencies, is expected to inject thousands of new personnel into the system to improve efficiency and national security coverage.
Applicants React
Across social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, many applicants have welcomed the Minister’s swift response, describing it as a sign that the government is listening to citizens’ concerns.
An applicant who identified herself as Chiamaka from Anambra State said:
“It’s been weeks since we finished our test, and we’ve heard nothing. I’m glad the Minister has spoken. Hopefully, things will move faster now.”
Another applicant from Kaduna, Umar Adamu, noted that the clarification had restored confidence in the process.
“This is the kind of leadership we need. At least someone is taking responsibility. We just want transparency and timely updates,” he said.
However, some applicants urged the Ministry to publish a definitive timeline for when the uploads would be completed and when successful candidates would be notified.
“We appreciate the statement, but there should be a clear date when applicants can start checking their names. Communication is key,” a user wrote on Facebook.
Analysts Praise Transparency Drive
Governance experts have commended the Minister for his proactive handling of the issue, noting that his public acknowledgment of the complaints reflects a new culture of accountability in public service.
A public policy analyst, Dr. Nathaniel Oke, described the intervention as “a model for responsive governance.”
“Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s decision to publicly address the concerns and issue a clear directive to the CDCFIB shows administrative maturity. Recruitment delays can undermine public trust, so his quick action helps restore confidence,” Oke said.
He further advised the Ministry to adopt a fully automated recruitment monitoring system to ensure real-time updates for applicants and minimize human interference.
Digital Transition and the Road Ahead
Officials at the Ministry of Interior have hinted that the CDCFIB is developing a centralized digital database for all paramilitary agencies. This will streamline future recruitments and personnel management, making it easier for citizens to access accurate information about application progress.
The current recruitment exercise is expected to be concluded once the data upload is finalized and all verifications are complete. Thereafter, the Board will release the shortlisted names for the final screening stage.
The Minister’s latest directive marks an important step toward improving efficiency, accountability, and trust in Nigeria’s public service recruitment processes.
“We are determined to build a transparent and efficient system that works for Nigerians. The goal is to make government recruitment fair, open, and technology-driven,” Dr. Tunji-Ojo reaffirmed.
Conclusion
As the CDCFIB races to complete the upload of applicant data, the directive from Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo underscores the Federal Government’s renewed focus on digital transparency, citizen engagement, and service delivery in public institutions.
With thousands of hopeful Nigerians awaiting updates, the successful conclusion of the paramilitary recruitment exercise will not only fill crucial security roles but also serve as a litmus test for the Tinubu administration’s commitment to reforming Nigeria’s bureaucratic systems.
