MARGARET CHIDERA
ABUJA, Nigeria – Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has said that the government of Bola Tinubu is committed to the implementation of the approved peculiar allowance, increase in rent subsidy for paramilitary officers and men under the supervision of the Ministry of Interior.
The Minister made the declaration while on a magazine programme, Brekete Family of Human Rights Radio, recently in Abuja.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo, in discounting insinuation from some quarters; that money meant for the implementation of the new allowances has been misappropriated.
The Minister added that peculiar allowance for the Paramilitary services was approved this year by the government, which is going to be embedded in their salaries.
He added that at that time, the 2023 budget had gone, after approval from Salaries and Wages Commission, he said it would take effect after appropriation by the National Assembly in the next budget.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo, while making further clarification on the matter, said that all these processes are necessary procedures, no body spent government funds outside budget, confirming that doing otherwise, is criminal act.
The Minister assured all the beneficiaries that they would get every kobo that has been approved for them, stating that nobody will misappropriate their new allowances, this he vow will never happen under his watch.
He also gave the hints that he is already working with Nigeria Salaries and Wages Commission to regularise the salaries of Paramilitary officers to be aper with the Police. According to the Minister, because of the risks these services take while on operations.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo also disclosed that his Ministry is working assiduously in creating a Paramilitary Pension Board (PPP), as the case with the Military and Police Pension Board, respectively.
He said these Services deserve it, stating that due to their operational hazards, they encountered while on duties.
The Minister said all these measures he was taken is for his men to be happy while on duty, he said that would heighten their spirits and patriotism to the nation, adding that: “to whom much is given, much would be expected”.
He, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, thanked all security operatives for their service to Nigerians.
