As part of its concerted efforts at gender mainstreaming, the Federal Government has set aside 35% of all paramilitary recruitment slots under the Ministry of the Interior.
Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, announced this at a special media briefing on Friday in Abuja as part of celebrations commemorating his first anniversary in office.
The services include the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Federal Fire Service (FFS), and the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS). “We intend to give our women a 35% recruitment quota across all our services. Career development management of these paramilitary agencies is one of our priorities,” the minister stated.
Tunji-Ojo also revealed that the ministry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to ensure the overall development of convicts in the country’s detention institutions.
“We have also formed a partnership with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to rehabilitate inmates in our Custodial Centres through football, as part of our larger strategy to use sports’ transformative power to foster discipline, teamwork, and personal growth among inmates, providing them with a constructive outlet for their energy and thus reducing recidivism.
Through this unique method, we are strengthening our commitment to rehabilitation, ensuring that our correctional facilities actually provide a second opportunity for individuals who want to change their life,” he said.
In Essence
This policy is a significant step toward closing the gender gap in traditionally male-dominated sectors like paramilitary services. By reserving 35% of positions for women, the government is actively promoting gender inclusion and setting an example for other institutions to follow.
Women have historically been underrepresented in security services globally.
This initiative acknowledges their capabilities and helps dismantle societal barriers that have limited their participation. It could inspire more women to pursue careers in security and law enforcement.
