Senate Queries Delay in CDCFIB Recruitment as Interior Ministry Defends Budget Performance

By Inalegwu Osemi

The Senate Committee on Interior has questioned the delay in the recruitment process of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), with the Committee Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, demanding clarification from the Ministry of Interior during its budget defence session.

Oshiomhole expressed concern over the prolonged suspension of the recruitment exercise, stressing the importance of transparency and timely engagement to address unemployment and strengthen the nation’s security architecture. He noted that many Nigerians had applied and were awaiting the next stage of the process, urging the ministry to expedite action.
In his response, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, assured the committee that the delay was due to unresolved administrative and procedural issues currently being addressed. He explained that the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board would shortlist successful candidates as soon as the outstanding issues were resolved.
Tunji-Ojo reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to ensuring a credible and transparent recruitment process, adding that the exercise would be concluded without compromising due process.
During the budget presentation, the Minister disclosed that the ministry had a budgetary allocation of ₦3.1 billion for the 2025 fiscal year. However, he revealed that no funds had been released to the ministry to implement its planned programmes and activities.
The Minister further acknowledged that the revenue generated by the ministry was not included in his presentation due to an omission. He assured the committee that the accurate revenue figures would be compiled and submitted to the committee Secretariat in due course.
Members of the committee emphasized the need for improved budget implementation and accountability, noting that timely release of funds and complete financial disclosures were critical to enabling the ministry fulfill its mandate of ensuring internal security and managing correctional and paramilitary services effectively.
The committee subsequently directed the ministry to provide comprehensive details of its revenue profile and recruitment timeline to ensure proper legislative oversight.