A group of concerned officials within the Federal Fire Service (FFS) has sounded the alarm over what they describe as unauthorized and irregular recruitment into mid-level ranks of the agency. They accused the Controller General, Abdulganiyu O. Jaji, of bypassing established procedures to secure strategic positions for his close allies ahead of his expected retirement.
These allegations were outlined in a letter dated July 28, 2025, addressed to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), retired General A.M. Jibril. The petition, signed by individuals identifying themselves as “Concerned Personnel of the Federal Fire Service,” threatened both legal and industrial action if the recruitment process is not halted immediately.
Allegation of Policy Violation
According to the petitioners, the ongoing recruitment into Grade Levels 10 to 14 is a direct violation of the CDCFIB’s 2013 Transfer of Service Guidelines. These guidelines, they noted, prohibit lateral entry into paramilitary organisations like the FFS.
“The current exercise openly disregards the CDCFIB’s 2013 directive, which explicitly bars transfers of service into paramilitary institutions such as ours,” the petition reads.
They further alleged that the Controller General is influencing the Board to revive a process that had previously been considered illegitimate, thereby compromising the regulatory framework and creating a risk for national emergency standards.
Compromised Professionalism
Highlighting the technical nature of the Fire Service, the whistleblowers stressed that the job requires intensive training and field competence—not political favouritism.
They argued that bringing in individuals from outside the system, particularly those lacking critical skills, puts citizens at risk and undermines Nigeria’s goal of developing a modern and responsive emergency system.
They also accused the CGF of orchestrating these appointments to position loyalists before his scheduled departure on or before August 13, 2025.
“This move is an attempt to sideline well-trained personnel and fill key positions with inexperienced outsiders, contrary to the spirit of the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” they stated.
Disputed Vacancies
Referencing figures from the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, the aggrieved personnel said there are no current openings in the targeted grade levels for the year 2025.
They revealed that the current staffing levels are already substantial: Grade Level 10 has 645 officers, GL 11 has 495, and GL 12 has 230.
“Injecting new staff into these levels is unjustified and will result in overstaffing, duplication of duties, and unnecessary strain on government resources,” the letter warned.
Marginalisation of Internal Staff
The petition further condemned the exclusion of deserving internal candidates from promotion opportunities into GL 13 and GL 14.
They accused the CGF and the Board of undermining years of service and dedication by favouring external entrants with questionable qualifications.
“The message being sent is clear: hard work and commitment within the system no longer count,” the officers lamented.
Low Morale and Impending Crisis
The letter raised concerns about a growing sense of disillusionment among FFS personnel. According to the group, the lack of advancement opportunities is fuelling low morale, which may lead to widespread dissatisfaction and operational lapses.
“If these grievances are ignored, the Service could face serious disruptions that would jeopardise public safety and national emergency responses,” they cautioned.
Strike and Legal Threats Loom
The group issued a strong warning, indicating their readiness to escalate the matter through all available means.
“If this recruitment exercise isn’t stopped, we’ll be forced to consider taking to the courts, initiating industrial action, and notifying relevant anti-graft bodies and the public,” they declared.
Urgent Demand for Transparency
The whistleblowers wrapped up their letter with a call for decisive intervention. They demanded an immediate halt to the recruitment, an internal audit of staff positions, and the elevation of eligible officers in accordance with official guidelines.
“The Federal Fire Service should not become a hub for political compensation,” the group wrote. “We appeal to the Honourable Minister and the CDCFIB Secretary to uphold merit, fairness, and safety by taking swift and just action.”
The petition was also forwarded to the President, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Federal Civil Service Commission, Department of State Services (DSS), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), National Security Adviser, and several media outlets and civil society organisations.
Stay updated by joining our WhatsApp Channel:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VabITrvEAKW7DSkTfP0J