By our reporter
Officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have expressed their grievances over ongoing irregularities in salary payments and promotion processes within the organisation.
In a letter addressed to the editor of Starnews NG dated February 7, 2025, they outlined their suffering and urged the publication to highlight their plight. The officers requested to remain anonymous for fear of repercussions.
“We have been facing significant issues with salary payments since last year,” the complaint read. “For instance, February 2025 salaries were paid on 21st March 2025, and in August, salaries were only received in September. We did not celebrate Christmas with our salaries in December 2025, as payments were only made on 2nd January 2026. As of today, 8th February 2026, many of us, particularly those with Fidelity Bank, have yet to receive our January salaries.”
The officers highlighted that while some banks, such as FCMB, have disbursed payments, others, including Fidelity Bank, have claimed they have not received salaries from our management. “This situation is forcing many of us into debt as we resort to loans just to feed our families,” they lamented.
The officers further noted that their colleagues in other paramilitary organisations under the Ministry of Interior do not experience similar challenges. “We often borrow money from our colleagues in immigration due to these delays, and they mock our situation,” they stated.
In addition to salary concerns, the officers also brought attention to promotion issues within the NSCDC. They claimed that promotions have been scarce, with the only significant advancement occurring after the appointment of Hon. Tunji Ojo as Minister of Interior. “In 2023, many of us received our first promotion after many years of stagnation,” the officers recounted.
The letter alleges systemic corruption within the promotion process, stating, “Promotion has become commercialised, with juniors being promoted above more qualified individuals who remain stagnant. This practice is not seen in other departments such as immigration, correctional services, and the fire service.”
Starnews NG was unable to ascertain whether some of the issues regarding irregular salaries were caused by banking institutions, as attempts to reach the Public Relations Officers for comments on the allegations were hindered by network glitches.
The officers called for Minister Tunji Ojo to investigate their concerns and address the irregularities affecting the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. “We plead for your help in conveying our grievances to ensure that our issues are known by the Minister and the Nigerian public,” they concluded.
The situation reflects ongoing struggles within the NSCDC, highlighting the urgent need for reforms to ensure fair treatment and support for those who serve in Nigeria’s security agencies
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