Nigeria Immigration Service Personnel Express Frustration Over Lack of Promotion Allowance Payments Since 2022

Personnel of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) have complained that the Ministry of Interior has failed to pay their promotion arrears since 2022.

Speaking to SaharaReporters, the affected officers said the ministry had stopped paying any allowances.

Concerning the promotion arrears, it was disclosed that the last payment was made in 2021. However, one immigration officer revealed that those promoted between 2022 and 2024 are yet to receive their dues, despite repeated appeals and protests to the authorities.

Expressing frustration, an immigration officer lamented the lack of payment for promotion arrears, emphasizing its significance in the livelihoods of civil servants. The arrears, which vary depending on the ranks of the officers, play a vital role in their financial stability.

Elaborating on the payment structure, another immigration officer highlighted the disparity in entitlements, ranging from N50,000 for 12 months to N10,000 for 12 months. However, the government's failure to honor these payments has left officers disillusioned, as it remains their sole form of allowance.

Efforts to obtain a response from the NIS spokesperson, Adedotun Aridegbe, were unsuccessful, with repeated calls and text messages going unanswered.

Additionally, SaharaReporters previously reported delays in the payment of allowances to NIS officials deployed for the governorship election in Bayelsa State in November 2023. Despite their participation in the electoral process, many officers are yet to receive their allowances, prompting calls for urgent action from NIS authorities and the interior minister.

One affected officer voiced concerns over the delay in payment, fearing that the funds may be misappropriated if not promptly addressed. Another officer emphasized the historical context, citing past incidents where funds were eventually disbursed only after media scrutiny.

The officers appealed for transparency and accountability, urging authorities to fulfill their financial commitments to ensure the welfare of NIS personnel.